RELOS Pact Comes Into Force: India and Russia Strengthen Military Logistics Cooperation

To boost the strategic cooperation in defense India and Russia have operationalized the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) in the April 2026. It was originally signed in the February 2025 and this pact allows both countries to access the each other’s military bases, ports and airfields along with deploying the troops and assets. This step marks the significant step in strengthening the bilateral defense ties and enhanced the India’s global strategic reach and  particularly in the emerging regions like the Arctic.

RELOS Pact Operational: Key Features of the Agreement

The India-Russia RELOS agreement is designed to provide the mutual logistical support and it operational flexibility to both nations armed forces.

Under the pact,

• Both the countries can deploy up to the 3,000 military personnel on the each other’s territory.
  Also the access is granted to army bases, naval port and air bases
  Deployment also includes up to 5 warships and 10 fighter aircraft each
  The agreement is valid for five years and also with an option for extension

This arrangement enhances the interoperability and rapid response capabilities between the two nations.

Strategic Importance and Expanding India’s Global Reach

One of the most important  outcomes of the RELOS pact is India expanding the strategic footprint and specially in the regions that were previously less accessible.

Entry into the Arctic Region

India will gain the access to key Russian ports such as Murmansk and Severomorsk and they are crucial to the Arctic maritime corridor.

This region is also gaining the global attention due to,

• The melting ice opening new shipping routes
• Also the rising competition among major powers
• The strategic importance for energy and trade routes

This access positions the India as the emerging player in Arctic geopolitics.

Strengthening India-Russia Defense Ties

The RELOS pact indicates the deep-rooted strategic partnership between India and Russia.

Over the years both the nations have collaborated in,

• Defense procurement and technology transfer
• Also the Joint military exercises
• The strategic and geopolitical coordination

This agreement also takes the cooperation a step further by enabling the on -ground operational support and making the partnership more practical and action oriented.