India-Russia Sign Key Military Support Agreement

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in India for a two-day visit. Prior to his arrival, the Russian Parliament approved a significant military agreement with India. Under this deal, the armed forces of both nations can provide logistical support to each other, allowing one country’s military to access infrastructure in the other.

Putin arrives in Delhi on Thursday to attend the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions during the visit may cover military, trade, and mineral oil sectors.

The ‘Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support’ or ‘RELOS’ agreement regulates the movement of military personnel, equipment, warships, and aircraft between the two countries and allows the use of military infrastructure abroad. It also provides support for joint exercises, training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov told ANI that India-Russia military cooperation is strategic and will extend to deeper collaboration in technology and industrial production. He noted that over 30 per cent of India’s military equipment is supplied by Moscow and has been so for many years.

Reuters reports that discussions may include the supply of Su-57 fighter jets to India. There may also be talks on new S-400 air defence systems and upgraded BrahMos cruise missiles.

Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that the extent of Russia’s cooperation will depend on India’s willingness to advance bilateral relations. He stressed that trade and military partnerships should remain free from third-party influence.

KhaborwalaAJ