Russia approves key military cooperation pact with India

Russia’s parliament has approved a major military cooperation pact with New Delhi.

Under the agreement, both countries’ armed forces will be able to access each other’s military bases, logistics support, and infrastructure—allowing the use of facilities such as bases, equipment, and supplies on a reciprocal basis.

The development comes amid just days before President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India.

Putin is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday (December 4) at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit. Defense cooperation, trade, and energy are expected to be high on the agenda.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the scope of future cooperation would largely depend on India’s interest and willingness to strengthen ties.

What the RELOS Agreement Includes
The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) pact was signed earlier this year on 18 February, but the formal approval came on Tuesday when Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, ratified it.

According to PTI, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin forwarded the agreement to the Duma last week for final approval.

Opening Tuesday’s session, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin described Russia’s relationship with India as “comprehensive and strategic,” emphasising the importance Moscow places on this partnership.