Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, has approved the India–Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement—marking a major advancement in bilateral defence cooperation just days before President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi.
The pact, signed on 18 February, enables the armed forces of both nations to use each other’s military bases, logistics hubs, and support facilities. Under the agreement, military aircraft and warships from India and Russia will be able to refuel, restock, and access essential services at shared installations. Costs will be equally divided between both sides.
Russian Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said the approval highlights the “deep and time-tested” strategic partnership between the two countries. The Russian government added that the agreement will significantly boost military cooperation and enhance operational coordination during emergencies.
Once operational, India will become the only country to have logistics-sharing arrangements with both the United States and Russia—two major global military powers. Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi confirmed this development on Tuesday.
President Putin is scheduled to arrive on 4 December for the 23rd Annual India–Russia Summit. Security preparations in Delhi are already intensified. The capital will be placed under multi-layered security, with SWAT teams, anti-terror squads, and quick-reaction units deployed across key areas. More than 50 members of Russia’s advanced security and protocol team are already in the city. Putin’s exact stay location remains classified for security reasons.
