'We value our ties': Russia approves key pact with India ahead of Putin's visit
PTC News Desk: Russia’s State Duma, the lower house of parliament, on Tuesday approved an important military logistics agreement with India ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi on December 4–5.
The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) pact—signed on February 18—was submitted to the Duma for approval last week by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
“Our ties with India are strategic and extensive, and we deeply value them. Today’s approval of this agreement is another move towards mutual cooperation and strengthening our partnership,” said State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin during the session.
The RELOS pact outlines the rules for deploying Russian military units, naval ships, and aircraft to India and vice versa, as well as the framework for providing logistical support to each other. It covers the movement of personnel and equipment as well as their supply needs.
This arrangement will apply during joint military drills, training programs, humanitarian missions, disaster relief operations, and other jointly approved activities.
According to a statement shared on the Duma website, the Russian Cabinet said the pact will enable shared use of airspace and port access for both nations’ warships. It will also enhance defence cooperation between Russia and India.
- With inputs from agencies
