India and Russia Formalize Military Cooperation Pact

India and Russia have formalized a significant military cooperation pact that allows for the deployment of up to 3,000 military personnel, 10 aircraft, and 5 warships in each other's territories. This agreement, known as the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), aims to enhance bilateral defense relations and streamline operational cooperation between the two nations. The pact was signed in February 2025 and officially entered into force on January 12, 2026, following ratification by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December 2025.

The StatesmanUp to 10 aircraft, 5 ships, and more than 3,000 soldiers: Russia and India agree on troop deployment on each other's territoryRussia-India military pact allows up to 3,000 troops, 5 warships in each other’s territory

The agreement outlines specific limits on the presence of foreign military forces, stipulating that no more than 3,000 military personnel, 10 aircraft, and 5 naval vessels from one country may be stationed in the other country simultaneously, unless otherwise agreed upon. The pact facilitates joint military exercises, training, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief operations, thereby establishing a framework for logistical support during these activities. It also simplifies the mutual use of airspace and the docking of naval vessels in each other's ports.

The StatesmanIndia and Russia Finalise Historic Defence Agreement to Station Up to 3,000 Troops in Mutual TerritoriesRussia-India military pact allows up to 3,000 troops, 5 warships in each other’s territory

This military pact signifies a notable evolution in the defense relationship between India and Russia, reflecting their long-standing strategic partnership. The agreement is expected to bolster defense ties and enhance operational capabilities, allowing for more effective collaboration in various military and humanitarian contexts. The formalization of this pact is seen as a step towards deeper military integration and cooperation between the two countries.

The StatesmanIndia and Russia Finalise Historic Defence Agreement to Station Up to 3,000 Troops in Mutual TerritoriesUp to 10 aircraft, 5 ships, and more than 3,000 soldiers: Russia and India agree on troop deployment on each other's territory

While the pact has been largely welcomed as a strengthening of defense ties, some analysts express concerns regarding the implications of increased military presence in each other's territories. Critics argue that such arrangements could escalate regional tensions and complicate the geopolitical landscape, particularly in the context of India's relationships with neighboring countries.

The Statesman

The Russian state-owned news agency TASS reported that the agreement reflects a significant evolution in the bilateral defense relationship. An official document released on Russia's legal information portal emphasized the importance of the pact in facilitating smoother operational cooperation between the armed forces of both nations.

Russia-India military pact allows up to 3,000 troops, 5 warships in each other’s territory

• “An official document published on a Russian legal website, the pact will bolster closer defence ties and facilitate smoother operational cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.” — Russian legal document

The Statesman

• “Under this agreement, unless the parties agree otherwise, no more than the following may be present simultaneously on the territory of the receiving state and in the airspace above it: five military ships of the sending state, 10 military aircraft of the sending state, 3,000 military personnel of the sending state,” — TASS report

Russia-India military pact allows up to 3,000 troops, 5 warships in each other’s territory

The agreement is set to remain valid for five years, with provisions for automatic extension. Future joint exercises and humanitarian missions are anticipated as both countries work to implement the terms of the pact and further solidify their military cooperation.

The Statesman