India, Russia operationalise pact allowing 3,000 troops, warships and aircraft in each other’s territory

India and Russia have operationalised a key defence agreement that allows both countries to station military personnel, warships and aircraft in each other’s territory, marking a significant step in bilateral military cooperation.

The pact, known as the Indo-Russian Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), permits deployment of up to 3,000 troops, five warships and ten aircraft by each side at any given time. The agreement was signed in February 2025 and came into force on January 12, 2026, after being ratified by Russia.

Under the arrangement, India and Russia can access each other’s military bases, ports and airfields for refuelling, repairs, supplies and logistical support. The pact applies in both peacetime and wartime, enabling smoother long-distance deployments and joint operations.

Officials said the agreement also covers joint military exercises, training programmes and humanitarian missions, while laying down procedures for the movement and support of troops, naval vessels and aircraft.

The framework allows reciprocal use of infrastructure, including docking of warships and use of airspace and air navigation systems, along with access to fuel, technical resources and maintenance facilities.

The pact is valid for an initial period of five years and can be extended with mutual consent.

The agreement is expected to expand India’s operational reach, including access to Russian facilities in regions such as the Arctic, while also enabling Russia to utilise Indian bases for logistics support in the Indian Ocean.

India has signed similar logistics agreements with several countries, including the United States, as part of its broader strategy to enhance military interoperability and global operational capability.