Archive · 19 Dec 2025
India-Russia Sign Logistics Agreement for Arctic, Indo-Pacific
India and Russia have signed a new agreement called RELOS.
This agreement allows their militaries to use each other's air and naval bases for things like refueling, repairs, and maintenance.
It helps India reach further into the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions, and it helps Russia have a stronger presence in the Indian Ocean.
This is similar to agreements India has with the US, but tailored specifically for India and Russia.
The agreement will make both countries' militaries more effective and ready for operations, including joint exercises and humanitarian missions.
India and Russia signed the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement, ratified by both countries' parliaments and approved by the Russian President.
RELOS allows mutual use of airspace, ports, and bases for military operations, including refueling, repairs, and maintenance.
The agreement supports joint military exercises, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief operations.
India gains access to over 40 Russian bases, enhancing its operational reach in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions.
Russia gains access to Indian ports and airfields, bolstering its presence in the Indian Ocean and supporting a multipolar world.
- Who
- India and Russia
- What
- Signed a military logistics agreement (RELOS)
- When
- After December 5, 2023 (ratification by Russian President)
- Where
- Applicable to military bases and operations in both countries
- Why
- To enhance mutual military support and strategic reach in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions
- Agreement Name
- Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS)
- Signatories
- India and Russia
- Purpose
- Mutual logistical support for military operations
- Key Benefits for India
- Access to Russian air and naval bases
- Key Benefits for Russia
- Access to Indian ports and airfields
- Similar Agreements with US
- LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA
- Strategic Focus
- Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions