Source TOI
NEW DELHI – Just days before Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi for a state visit, Moscow’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, has formally ratified a crucial military agreement with India, underscoring the enduring strength of the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between the two nations.
The pact in question is the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement, which was initially signed on February 18. Its ratification now paves the way for deeper military-to-military engagement and operational flexibility.
What is the RELOS Agreement?
The RELOS agreement is a military logistics-sharing pact designed to simplify and streamline cooperation between the armed forces of India and Russia. Key provisions of the agreement include:
Access to Facilities: It allows both Indian and Russian military aircraft, ships, and personnel to utilize each other’s bases, ports, and infrastructure for logistical support.
Operational Support: The framework provides mutual logistical support for a range of activities, including joint military exercises, training programs, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.
Mutual Use of Airspace and Ports: The pact specifically facilitates the authorized use of each other’s airspace and enables port calls by warships, according to explanatory notes posted on the Duma’s website.
Enhanced Efficiency: The core intent is to simplify coordination and reduce bureaucratic hurdles during joint activities and emergency situations, thereby enhancing the operational readiness and inter-operability of both forces.
Timing Signals Strategic Intent
The ratification by the State Duma comes immediately before President Putin’s visit on December 4-5 for the 23rd annual bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russian lawmakers, including State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, emphasized that the move is a clear signal of the strategic and comprehensive nature of the Russia-India relationship.
While the defence sector, including ongoing deliveries of the S-400 air defence system and discussions on co-production projects like the BrahMos missile, has historically anchored the partnership, the ratification of RELOS indicates a commitment to expanding operational cooperation and mutual support in both routine and crisis scenarios.
The upcoming summit is expected to focus heavily on defence and trade, with both nations keen to set a vision for strengthening ties amidst a complex global geopolitical landscape.
