Russia-India Military Cooperation Agreement
Russia and India have signed a significant military cooperation agreement titled the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS). This agreement has been ratified by both houses of the Russian Parliament and signed into federal law by President Vladimir Putin following his visit to New Delhi.
Key Features of RELOS
- Military Movement Procedures:
- Regulates the movement of military formations, warships, and aircraft between the two countries.
- Includes logistical support provisions for each other’s military forces.
- Airspace and Port Usage:
- Facilitates the mutual use of airspace by Russian and Indian military aircraft.
- Provisions for port calls by warships of both nations.
- Operational Support:
- Framework for support services during joint exercises, training, and humanitarian operations.
- Includes potential use in other scenarios with mutual consent.
Strategic Implications for India
- Access to Russian air and naval bases from Vladivostok to Murmansk for refuelling and maintenance.
- Enhances operational reach and readiness, especially for Russian-origin equipment.
- Strengthens India’s Indo-Pacific strategy by leveraging Russia’s network of over 40 bases.
Reciprocal Benefits for Russia
- Greater access to Indian ports and airfields for similar logistical support.
- Institutionalizes support for Russian forces in the Indian Ocean.
Comparison with Other Agreements
RELOS is compared to other agreements India has with the US:
- LEMOA:
- Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement facilitates refuelling and supply exchanges between US and Indian militaries.
- COMCASA:
- Allows encrypted communication between US and Indian military systems.
- BECA:
- Facilitates sharing of high-end military technology and geo-spatial data.
While these US agreements aim to balance Chinese influence and enhance India’s role in the Indo-Pacific, RELOS is specifically tailored to the India-Russia dynamic, reinforcing the defense partnership between the two nations.
