India-Russia Defence Pact: India and Russia have now brought a new defence deal into action. The pact is called the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement, or RELOS. It lets both countries use each other’s military places for support. That means troops, warships, and aircraft can be sent to the other side when needed.
The agreement was signed in Moscow on February 18, 2025, then ratified by Russia in December 2025, and it has been in force since January 12, 2026. The details were made public later.
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What the deal allows?
Under RELOS, each country can station up to 3,000 troops on the other side’s territory. It also allows five warships and around 10 military aircraft to be there at the same time. The deal gives both sides access to ports, airbases, and other military facilities. It also covers refuelling, repairs, supplies, navigation help, air traffic support, and security for aircraft and ships. The agreement is meant to work in both peacetime and war. It also supports joint training, disaster relief, and other operations.
Importance for both sides
This pact matters because it makes long-distance military work easier and cheaper. For Russia, it gives better access to the Indian Ocean region and stronger reach into Asia. For India, it opens a way to Russian ports and bases in the Arctic and northern sea routes. That can help with military movement, supply lines, and wider strategic reach. Some analysts also say this is a big step because India is now allowing a foreign military limited stationing rights on its land for the first time.
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The deal is not just about moving troops around. It is also about keeping ships and aircraft running with help from the other side. That is why it covers fuel, maintenance, repairs, and supplies.
