What is the RELOS Pact that Putin signed? India-Russia relations will become stronger, know why Pakistan-China are in tension

In an important step to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Russia, the RELOS Pact has been signed into federal law by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This agreement provides access and cooperation to the armies of both the countries to each other’s military bases, airfields, ports and logistics resources.

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The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement between India and Russia was approved by the State Duma (lower house) on 2 December and the Council of Federation (upper house) on 8 December. This agreement was sent for the approval of the President so that it could be made a federal law.

What is RELOS Pact?

The full name of RELOS is Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support Agreement. This is a bilateral military-logistics agreement, which was signed by India and Russia on 18 February 2025. Now Russia has approved it as its federal law. Under this, the armies of both the countries get a legal framework for joint use of mutual military facilities and logistics support.

Understand in 10 points why this agreement is important?

1. RELOS (Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support) is a military logistics exchange agreement that will set the rules for the operation and support of troops, warships, aircraft and equipment between India and Russia.

2. The agreement was signed on 18 February 2025 and after being approved by the Russian Parliament (Duma and Federation Council), Russian President Vladimir Putin signed it into federal law on 15 December 2025.

3. Both India and Russia can use each other’s military bases, airfields and ports, making troop movement and logistics support more streamlined and legally assured.

4. Includes fuel, maintenance, equipment, emergency assistance, port calls, airfield access, and logistics support during joint exercises.

5. It will not come into full force until formal confirmation documents are exchanged between the two countries.

6. According to some reports, it will be initially for 5 years and can be extended as per requirement.

7. Joint exercises, training, humanitarian aid missions, disaster relief and other mutually agreed actions can easily take place under this agreement.

8. Soldiers, aircraft and warships of both the countries will be able to enter mutual facilities, which will make military operations and logistics management more effective.

9. It gives a modern, legal and systematic form to the long-standing political and defense cooperation between Russia and India.

10. This will help both countries expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and other global security scenarios.

In which areas will there be strength?

Joint military exercises and training: Under RELOS, joint exercises and training operations will be conducted in a more organized manner, which will strengthen the operational coordination of the two armies.

Logistics and logistics support: Mutual logistics assistance at ports, airbases and supply facilities will increase operational efficiency.

Disaster relief and humanitarian assistance: It will be easier to provide assistance in natural disasters and emergencies.

Maritime and air cooperation: Will ships and aircraft of both the countries be able to operate in each other’s control area including logistics support?

Global Strategic Cooperation: This is being seen as a step towards increasing strategic trust between the two countries and a multi-polar world order.

Why are Pak-China’s eyebrows raised?

The RELOS Pact is not a direct military alliance, but it is a powerful political signal. For Pakistan, this is a sign of India’s growing military capability. Whereas for China it is a warning that India is moving forward with a multi-polar and balanced strategy at the global level. India is not only dependent on Western countries, but is also building deep military networks with traditional defense partners like Russia.

In case of a two-front war between India and China-Pakistan, the availability of military equipment for logistics and other needs will be in India’s favor. Russia’s standing with India may have an indirect impact on CPEC and regional security equations.