Russia Ratifies Defence Pact with India Ahead of Putin Visit
Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, has ratified a key military logistics agreement with India just days before President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi on December 4–5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.
What the Pact Involves
The agreement, formally known as the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS), will allow Indian and Russian armed forces — including naval ships and military aircraft — to use each other’s bases for refuelling, maintenance, port calls, and other logistical requirements. It will also support joint exercises, humanitarian missions, and movements of personnel and equipment.
Russian officials have stated that the pact reinforces the “strategic and comprehensive” nature of the partnership with India, describing the ratification as another step in strengthening defence reciprocity between the two long-standing partners.
Why the Timing Matters
The approval comes just ahead of Putin’s visit, signalling a deliberate push from both sides to deepen military and strategic cooperation. The decision is expected to make future joint operations and drills smoother by reducing logistical constraints.
The ratification also comes at a time when global geopolitical alignments are evolving, sanctions pressures are intensifying, and both nations are recalibrating defence priorities. During the upcoming summit, India and Russia are expected to discuss additional defence collaborations, including progress on long-term projects and procurement discussions.
Significance for India-Russia Defence Ties
With RELOS now formalised, India gains expanded logistical access to Russian facilities across different regions, potentially improving operational flexibility for the Indian Armed Forces. Russia, meanwhile, strengthens its defence footprint in Asia through closer interoperability with a major strategic partner.
Experts believe the pact will not only streamline military coordination but also lay a stronger foundation for upcoming defence negotiations during the summit.
