In a move that underscores the enduring strategic partnership between India and Russia, the Russian State Duma has ratified a key military logistics agreement days ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s high-profile state visit to New Delhi. This swift parliamentary approval sets the stage for a summit where major defense platforms, including the Su-57 stealth fighter and additional S-400 air defense systems, will be central to discussions.
The Russian lower house of parliament approved the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (reLOS) agreement, originally signed on February 18. The pact, forwarded for ratification last week by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, formalizes a framework for enhanced military interoperability between the two nations.
It establishes clear procedures for the deployment of military units, warships, and aircraft, and lays out the full spectrum of logistical support—including fuel, maintenance, berthing, and supplies—that each side can provide to the other's forces when required.
"The ratification marks another step toward deeper reciprocity and long-term cooperation," said State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin during the plenary session, highlighting the strategic value of the agreement.
According to a note on the Duma’s official website, the pact will simplify access to each other’s airspace and streamline port calls for naval vessels. Its applicability spans joint military exercises, training missions, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and any other scenario mutually approved by both governments.
With Putin scheduled to arrive in India on December 4-5, the timing of the ratification is a clear signal from Moscow of its intent to reinforce a defense partnership that has weathered geopolitical shifts for decades.
The logistics pact arrives as the Kremlin confirmed that high-level defense talks will dominate the summit agenda. On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that major defense agreements, including discussions on the Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets and additional S-400 Triumf air defense systems, are expected.
"I have no doubt it will be discussed during the visit. The issue of Su-57s certainly will be on the agenda during the coming Putin visit to India," Peskov said. He emphasized the importance of a bilateral relationship "free from external interference," noting, "We have to secure our relationship; we have to secure our trade that brings mutual benefit."
The Su-57 topic carries historical weight. India was initially a major partner in the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, based on the Su-57 platform, contributing to requirements for stealth, avionics, and engine upgrades. However, New Delhi suspended and later exited the project over concerns regarding cost, technology sharing, and performance. Despite this, the advanced fighter remains a point of strategic dialogue, indicating potential renewed interest.
Meanwhile, the S-400 deal continues to be a cornerstone of defense cooperation. The $5.4 billion agreement for five units, signed in 2018, has proceeded despite the threat of U.S. sanctions under the CAATSA law. Three squadrons have already been delivered and deployed by the Indian Air Force, with the remaining two expected in the coming years. Discussions during the summit are likely to focus on the timely delivery of these units and potentially expanding the order.
The acceleration of the reLOS pact and the focus on high-value defense deals demonstrate a mutual desire to insulate the India-Russia relationship from external pressures. For India, the partnership is a critical element of its strategic autonomy, ensuring access to advanced military hardware and diversified supply chains. For Russia, facing unprecedented isolation from the West, India remains one of its most significant and reliable defense partners.
The logistics agreement, in particular, enhances strategic flexibility for both militaries, allowing for more seamless cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. It follows similar agreements India has with other key partners like the United States, France, and Australia, reflecting a pragmatic approach to military diplomacy.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin prepare to meet, the summit is poised to reaffirm a time-tested partnership while navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving global order. The outcomes will be closely watched in world capitals, as India and Russia take concrete steps to deepen a defense bond that continues to defy geopolitical trends.
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