Before Putin’s visit to India, Russia approved a big military agreement, RELOS agreement passed from the Russian Parliament.

The State Duma, the Parliament of Russia, has approved an important military agreement between India and Russia. This approval has come at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin Will be visiting India from 4th to 5th December. The name of this agreement is Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) and it will further strengthen the military cooperation between the two countries.

What is the RELOS Agreement?

This agreement was signed between India and Russia on 18 February this year. Last week, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin sent it to Parliament for approval. Now after the approval of Duma, this agreement has reached the final stage of implementation.

Under the RELOS agreement, the armies of India and Russia will be able to use each other’s land, airbases, sea ports and military facilities. That means both countries will be able to provide fuel, repairs, food, equipment and other logistics support to each other’s armies. This will make it easier to conduct military operations.

Statement by the Speaker of the Russian Parliament

In a note posted on the website of the Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, the Russian Council of Ministers said that the approval of the document will allow Russian and Indian warships to mutually use the airspace and ports of the two countries.

Russian Parliament Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said that our relations with India are strategic and comprehensive. The approval of this agreement will further strengthen our relations.

When will it be used?

This agreement will be useful in many situations, such as joint military exercises, training of armies, humanitarian assistance, relief in natural disasters and other special circumstances.

The Russian Cabinet said that with this agreement, aircraft of both the countries will be able to use each other’s airspace. Warships of both will be able to stop in each other’s ports. If needed, military equipment and soldiers will be able to get support quickly. Defense cooperation between India and Russia will deepen further.