Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS)

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