India and Russia have formally activated the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), allowing both militaries to station up to 3,000 troops and specific military hardware at each other's facilities.
The defense pact, which took effect earlier this year after being ratified by Moscow, permits the temporary deployment of up to five warships and ten military aircraft for renewable five-year terms. Rather than establishing permanent combat outposts, the agreement focuses heavily on logistical support, joint training, and disaster relief operations.
Under the framework, both nations will grant mutual access to military infrastructure. Host countries will provide visiting forces with aviation fuel, port facilities, air traffic control, and repair services on a reimbursable basis.
The agreement offers clear strategic benefits for both sides. For New Delhi, the pact opens logistical doors in the Arctic region, giving Indian commercial and naval vessels access to Russian ports like Murmansk, along with necessary icebreaker support. Meanwhile, Moscow secures a reliable logistical foothold in the Indian Ocean.
The implementation of RELOS highlights India's ongoing strategy of multi-alignment. It reinforces New Delhi's historical defense ties with Moscow while running parallel to similar logistical agreements India holds with Western nations, such as the LEMOA pact with the United States.
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