Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, on Tuesday (2nd December) approved an important military agreement with India just days before President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi on 4th and 5th December. This agreement, called the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS), was originally signed on 18th February and was sent to the Duma last week for final approval by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
While speaking during the session, State Duma speaker Vyachslav Volodin said that Russia’s relationship with India is “strategic and comprehensive,” and added that the ratification of this pact is another step towards deepening cooperation between the two countries.
The RELOS pact basically lays down the system for how Russian and Indian military personnel, warships and aircraft can be sent to each other’s territory and how they will receive logistical support there. This includes everything from fuel and supplies to maintenance and other basic needs.
According to Vyacheslav Nikonov, who briefed the Duma on the agreement, the pact will allow up to five warships, ten aircraft and about three thousand troops from either country to be stationed in the partner nation at the same time. This arrangement will initially last for five years and can be extended for another five years if both countries agree.
‘India is a Geopolitical Giant and Key Partner in Military-Technical Collaboration’ – First Deputy Chairman of International Affairs Committee Addresses State Duma Following ???? Defence Treaty Ratification
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) December 2, 2025
The military pact will allow ‘five warships, ten aircraft, and three… https://t.co/ejzxhbCOZv pic.twitter.com/yxCe1xeCtu
The agreement is expected to be useful during joint military exercises, training programmes, humanitarian missions, and relief operations during natural or man-made disasters.
A note posted on the Duma website by the Russian Cabinet said that this ratification will make the use of each other’s airspace and ports easier for both countries’ military forces. It also added that the pact will further strengthen the growing defence cooperation between India and Russia.
