Introduction

• The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) is a military logistics support agreement signed between India and Russia in February 2025.
• It became operational in January 2026 and facilitates reciprocal access to military logistics facilities during mutually agreed activities.

Key Features

• Reciprocal access to designated military facilities such as ports, airbases, logistics depots, and airfields.
• Provision of fuel, maintenance, repairs, transportation, medical support, food, accommodation, and communication services.
• Supports joint military exercises, training programmes, naval visits, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
• Facilitates logistical support for military aircraft, naval warships, and defence equipment.
• Does not permit military bases, territorial control, or permanent troop deployment.

Strategic Significance

• Enhances operational reach and endurance of Indian armed forces beyond domestic bases.
• Strengthens India-Russia defence cooperation in areas such as military exercises, technology collaboration, and maritime security.
• Enables faster operational turnaround through access to repair and refuelling facilities.
• Supports disaster relief and emergency response missions.
• Facilitates India's growing interests in the Arctic region through access to Russian logistical infrastructure.
• Reinforces India's policy of strategic autonomy by expanding defence partnerships without entering formal military alliances.

Conclusion

RELOS is a pragmatic defence cooperation mechanism that improves operational flexibility, military readiness, and strategic reach while preserving India's sovereignty and independent foreign policy.