India-Russia pact to station 3,000 troops, warships and aircraft in each other’s territory

India and Russia will now station up to 3,000 troops along with a limited number of naval ships and aircraft in each other’s territory under an agreement signed between New Delhi and Moscow that took place in February 2025, which reportedly came into force on January 12 this year.

The Indo-Russian Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) reportedly will allow “five warships, ten aircraft and three thousand troops to be stationed in the territory of the partner country for a period of five years, and if both parties agree, it can be extended for another five years”.

First Deputy Chairman of the International Affairs Committee Vyacheslav Nikonov recently confirmed to the State Duma in Moscow after the Russian Parliament formally approved it.

The operationalisation of the pact is expected to deepen long-term military cooperation, especially in maintaining and servicing India’s Russian-origin defence equipment and supporting extended overseas deployments.

The agreement reportedly includes provisions for joint military exercises, training programmes, and humanitarian operations. Known as the RELOS pact, it gains importance in the context of ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine. Beyond regulating the deployment of military personnel and equipment, it also outlines logistics support provided by the host nation.

For naval forces, this support includes access to ports, repair and maintenance services, and supplies such as water, food, and technical resources. For military aircraft, it covers air traffic control, aeronautical information, flight clearances, use of navigation systems, and facilities for parking and security. Aviation fuel, lubricants, specialised fluids, and repair of faulty equipment will be provided on a reimbursable basis, as per reports.

The pact reportedly allows reciprocal access to military facilities, including airbases and ports, enabling support for ships, aircraft, and personnel. It grants India access to Russian naval and air bases, including those in the Arctic, while offering Russia wider access to Indian facilities. The agreement also explicitly permits the deployment of military formations, facilitating joint training, disaster response efforts, and coordinated operations.

Overall, the pact is designed to strengthen defence ties in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions, while improving interoperability between the armed forces of both nations.