Prelims: Current events of national and international relations | Economy
Why in News?
RELOS was approved by the Russian Parliament and signed by the President; it will take effect once Russia and India formally exchange the ratification documents.
- RELOS – A logistics-sharing pact between India and Russia allowing reciprocal access to military facilities for supplies, repairs, and refuelling.
Features
- Scope of Agreement – It governs the movement of military formations, warships, and aircraft between India and Russia as well as arrangements for providing reciprocal logistical support.
- Air & Naval Provisions – It will facilitate the mutual use of airspace by military aircraft, and has provisions related to port calls by warships of both countries.
- Logistics Coverage – It regulates the dispatch of troops and military equipment, and covers support services needed when forces operate on the other’s territory.
- Flexibility Clause – The provisions can be extended to other scenarios with mutual consent.
- Application – It is applied during joint military exercises and training activities, as well as in situations involving humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Strategic Benefits for India & Russia
- Access to Bases – India gains institutional access to Russian air and naval bases, from Vladivostok (Pacific) and Murmansk (Arctic), for refuelling, repairs, and maintenance.
- Boosting operational reach and readiness, especially for Russian-origin equipment.
- Boost to Operational Reach – It enhances India’s readiness, especially for Russian-origin equipment.
- It supports India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy by leveraging Russia’s extensive network, of provides access to over 40 Russian bases.
- Reciprocal Benefits for Russia – The Russian military gains access to Indian ports and airfields for refuelling, repairs, and operations.
- Strategic Impact – It deepens India–Russia defence partnership, institutionalises logistical support for Russian forces in the Indian Ocean, and bolsters Russia’s position in a multipolar world.
Similar pacts with the US
- LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement),
- COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement), and
- BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement).
Reference
Indian Express | India-Russia logistics agreement
