India, Russia Set to Finalise Mutual Draft Logistics Agreement

New Delhi, Jun 24 (KNN) After years of delay, India and Russia are poised to conclude a significant mutual logistics agreement, with Russia recently approving the draft.

This Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) aims to streamline military-to-military exchanges for various purposes, including exercises, training, port calls, and humanitarian assistance efforts.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has instructed the Ministry of Defence to negotiate with India on the draft document.

The agreement, once signed, will be valid for five years with automatic renewal. It follows similar agreements India has signed with other countries, starting with the United States in 2016.

RELOS is expected to grant India access to Russian facilities in the strategically important Arctic region. The agreement is part of a broader military technical cooperation between India and Russia, guided by a decade-long agreement from 2021 to 2031.

This development comes amid India's efforts to strengthen its global military logistics network. The Indian Navy is anticipated to be the primary beneficiary, enhancing its operational capabilities and interoperability on the high seas.

The finalisation of RELOS underscores the enduring strategic partnership between India and Russia, particularly in defence cooperation.

It also reflects India's balanced approach to international relations, maintaining strong ties with Russia while fostering partnerships with Western nations and Quad members.

As global attention turns to the Arctic, this agreement could prove crucial for India's strategic interests in the region, especially considering its increasing investments in Russia's eastern areas.

(KNN Bureau)