India and Russia activated their Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) in January 2026, enabling mutual military access to airbases and ports to support ships, aircraft, and personnel, officials confirmed [1].
The pact was signed in Moscow in February 2025 and covers military exercises, training, and humanitarian missions [1]. It allows up to five warships, 10 aircraft, and 3,000 troops to be simultaneously stationed in each other's territory. The initial term is five years with a possible extension of another five years, according to Russia's official legal information portal cited in April [1].
Vyacheslav Nikonov noted that the agreement "could allow five warships, 10 aircraft and 3,000 troops in the partner country's territory" at the same time for five years, with a potential five-year extension [1].
The pact aims to strengthen long-term military cooperation, including support and servicing of India’s Russian-origin military equipment and enabling longer overseas deployments for both countries, noted analysts [1]. It is also expected to extend India’s strategic reach to the Arctic region, where Russia and China seek to expand their presence [1].
Indian defense analyst Nandan Unnikrishnan described it as "an anomaly" that India has such military logistics agreements with some Western countries but only recently formalized one with Russia [1].
The agreement sets a framework for closer military logistics collaboration and access, reflective of deepening India-Russia defense ties. With the first five-year period now underway, both sides may consider extending the pact after reviewing operational experience and strategic requirements.
