Ahead of Vladimir Putin’s visit, Russian parliament clears major military logistics pact with India

By Admin

03 Dec, 2025

India and Russia are set to take a major step forward in their long-standing strategic partnership. Just ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to New Delhi, the Russian parliament has officially ratified a significant military logistics pact with India a move expected to deepen defence cooperation and facilitate smoother military operations between the two nations.

Duma Ratifies RELOS Agreement Ahead of High-Level Talks

On 2 December, the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, approved the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement. The pact, signed on 18 February by both countries, was recently sent to the Duma for ratification by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the State Duma, emphasised the importance of the agreement, stating that India–Russia relations are strategic, comprehensive, and built on long-term mutual trust. He added that the ratification marks another step toward reciprocity and further strengthens bilateral ties, according to PTI.

What Is the RELOS Agreement?

The RELOS pact outlines a clear procedure for military cooperation between India and Russia, aiming to streamline logistics and operations during joint activities. Key features include:

• Deployment Framework – It establishes rules for sending Russian military formations, warships, and aircraft to India, and permits Indian military assets to operate similarly in Russian territories.

• Mutual Logistics Support – The agreement regulates the logistics, supply handling, and support system required for the troops, equipment, and military platforms of both countries.

• Operational Scope – The pact will function during joint exercises, training missions, humanitarian relief operations, and disaster response efforts after natural or man-made calamities.

• Enhanced Access – A note from the Russian Cabinet on the Duma website mentions that the ratification will ease mutual use of airspace and port facilities, enabling Russian and Indian warships to make port calls seamlessly.

Russia has stated that RELOS is expected to strengthen defence collaboration and expand operational flexibility between the two nations' militaries.

Putin’s Visit to Reinforce Strategic Partnership

President Vladimir Putin will embark on a two-day state visit to India from 4 to 5 December, marking his first trip to the country since 2021. During the visit, he will meet President Draupadi Murmu and hold high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The leaders will attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, where discussions will revolve around trade, defence, civil nuclear energy, and expanding strategic cooperation. President Murmu will also host a formal banquet in honour of Putin.

Earlier statements from the Kremlin confirm that the two sides are expected to adopt a joint statement and sign a wide range of interdepartmental and business agreements. The visit is anticipated to inject strong momentum into bilateral relations and reinforce India–Russia ties at a critical geopolitical juncture.

With the RELOS agreement now formally ratified, Putin’s visit is poised to further cement defence and strategic collaboration a partnership that has long played a pivotal role in regional stability and global diplomacy.