India Russia Defence Pact Approved Ahead of Putin’s Visit

On the eve of President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to India, the Russian Federation’s Parliament has ratified a Military Logistics Agreement with India (RELOS) due to a rise in diplomatic activity between New Delhi and Moscow.

On 2 December, the State Duma ratified the RELOS agreement approved by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the State Duma said this: “The important step toward mutual advantage and further enhanced relationship between India & Russia as the document providing more efficient implementation of the Mutual Cooperation Agreements”.

What is the RELOS Agreement?

The RELOS is the framework for Military Logistics Cooperation between India & Russia and its emphasis is on allowing the transfer of Military Resources between the two Nations.

Key Features of RELOS :

• Allows the transfer of Military Forces between Both Countries;
• Allows Transfer of Military Equipment to Both Countries through Mutual Assistance and also to Provide Replacement parts for Equipment used by Indian or Russian Forces, as needed;
• Provides a framework to support the logistics of the entire process which includes the movement of supplies to the Ships, the refueling of these vessels, and their maintenance while they are in transit.

This includes conducting joint training, military exercises, humanitarian operations and disaster relief.

Provides a mechanism through which nations can work together during a Natural Disaster or Artificial Disaster.

Confirms that both countries can utilize the airspace and ports together for naval operations.

According to a statement from the Russian Cabinet of Ministers, RELOS will greatly reduce the amount of time needed for both the Air Force and The Navy of each country to utilize Port Access and Airspace, while simultaneously increasing the level of sustained Military Cooperation between both Nations.

Putin’s Two-Day Official Journey to India

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, will begin his two-day official trip to India on December 4, 2018. During this visit, he will have meaningful discussions with President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding topics of trade growth, Defence Cooperation, and other Strategic Partnerships, including Nuclear Energy Cooperation.

This Year’s Annual India-Russia Summit, where both Nations are expected to sign multiple Interdepartmental/Business agreements, will be “the first visit of President Putin to India since 2021” (through Sco Summit in Tianjin, China).

A Newly Strengthened Strategic Alliance

The approval of RELOS represents an increasing desire for cooperation on Defence Logistics and Operational Activities between India & Russia. The planned signing of numerous Agreements during this visit indicates that India & Russia’s historic partnership may be about to experience a major enhancement.

With the entrance of President Putin & the signing of this significant Agreement, India & Russia will find themselves at a Critical Juncture in their Relationship that has garnered World-Wide Attention from recent news updates.