Is Indias New Relos Pact with Russia a Turning Point for Its Maritime Power?
Source: Kapitales Research
Highlights:
Relos extends India’s maritime presence from the Indian Ocean up to the Arctic, enhancing the nation’s operational flexibility and reach.
Ratification ahead of President Putin’s visit signals renewed strategic alignment between India and Russia.
The pact reinforces India’s broader maritime strategy under SAGAR, IPOI, IONS and IFC-IOR.
A Strategic Deal That Extends India’s Reach
India’s maritime strategy advanced notably after Russia officially ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (Relos) agreement — a move that greatly expands India’s ability to operate across a vast stretch of waters, from the Indian Ocean all the way to the Arctic. At the time of writing, the agreement positions India to strengthen its naval presence across critical global waterways, reinforcing ambitions first outlined in the country’s evolving maritime doctrines.
The ratification came just ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India, signalling renewed momentum in the longstanding defence partnership between the two nations. The agreement — originally signed in Moscow on 18 February 2025 — now moves into operational mode, allowing both countries to access each other’s military facilities for logistics, refuelling, repairs and mission support.
Part of India’s Expanding Maritime Vision
The Relos pact aligns seamlessly with India’s wider maritime strategy, which has evolved over the past decade through frameworks such as the SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), and the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). India has also built a network of logistics agreements with several key partners, beginning with the US through LEMOA in 2016, and continuing with Japan, Australia, France, Oman and the Philippines. The pact with Russia adds a powerful Eurasian dimension to this expanding network.
Strengthening an Enduring Strategic Partnership
By ratifying Relos just before President Putin’s arrival in New Delhi, Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening defence cooperation. The pact lays out clear guidelines for port access, airfield use, joint missions, humanitarian operations and logistical support — making military interactions smoother and more predictable. State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin underscored the significance of the agreement, stating that India-Russia ties are “strategic and comprehensive,” and that the ratification represents a step toward greater openness and reciprocity.
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The materials provided by Kapitales Research, including articles, news, data, reports, opinions, images, charts, and videos ("Content"), are intended for personal, non-commercial use only. The primary goal of this Content is to educate and inform readers. This Content is not meant to offer financial advice, nor does it include any recommendation or opinion that should be relied upon for making financial decisions. Certain Content on this platform may be sponsored or unsponsored, but it does not serve as a solicitation or endorsement to buy, sell, or hold any securities, nor does it encourage any specific investment activities. Kapitales Research is not authorized to provide investment advice, and we strongly advise users to seek guidance from a qualified financial professional, such as a financial advisor or stockbroker, before making any investment choices. Kapitales Research disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of the Content, which is provided without any warranties. The opinions expressed by contributors or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kapitales Research. Media such as images or music used on this platform are either owned by Kapitales Research, sourced through paid subscriptions, or believed to be in the public domain. We have made reasonable efforts to credit sources where appropriate. Kapitales Research does not claim ownership of any third-party media unless explicitly stated otherwise.
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Is Indias New Relos Pact with Russia a Turning Point for Its Maritime Power?
Highlights:
A Strategic Deal That Extends India’s Reach
India’s maritime strategy advanced notably after Russia officially ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (Relos) agreement — a move that greatly expands India’s ability to operate across a vast stretch of waters, from the Indian Ocean all the way to the Arctic. At the time of writing, the agreement positions India to strengthen its naval presence across critical global waterways, reinforcing ambitions first outlined in the country’s evolving maritime doctrines.
The ratification came just ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India, signalling renewed momentum in the longstanding defence partnership between the two nations. The agreement — originally signed in Moscow on 18 February 2025 — now moves into operational mode, allowing both countries to access each other’s military facilities for logistics, refuelling, repairs and mission support.
Part of India’s Expanding Maritime Vision
The Relos pact aligns seamlessly with India’s wider maritime strategy, which has evolved over the past decade through frameworks such as the SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region), the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), and the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). India has also built a network of logistics agreements with several key partners, beginning with the US through LEMOA in 2016, and continuing with Japan, Australia, France, Oman and the Philippines. The pact with Russia adds a powerful Eurasian dimension to this expanding network.
Strengthening an Enduring Strategic Partnership
By ratifying Relos just before President Putin’s arrival in New Delhi, Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening defence cooperation. The pact lays out clear guidelines for port access, airfield use, joint missions, humanitarian operations and logistical support — making military interactions smoother and more predictable. State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin underscored the significance of the agreement, stating that India-Russia ties are “strategic and comprehensive,” and that the ratification represents a step toward greater openness and reciprocity.
Disclaimer for Kapitales Research
The materials provided by Kapitales Research, including articles, news, data, reports, opinions, images, charts, and videos ("Content"), are intended for personal, non-commercial use only. The primary goal of this Content is to educate and inform readers. This Content is not meant to offer financial advice, nor does it include any recommendation or opinion that should be relied upon for making financial decisions. Certain Content on this platform may be sponsored or unsponsored, but it does not serve as a solicitation or endorsement to buy, sell, or hold any securities, nor does it encourage any specific investment activities. Kapitales Research is not authorized to provide investment advice, and we strongly advise users to seek guidance from a qualified financial professional, such as a financial advisor or stockbroker, before making any investment choices. Kapitales Research disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of the Content, which is provided without any warranties. The opinions expressed by contributors or guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kapitales Research. Media such as images or music used on this platform are either owned by Kapitales Research, sourced through paid subscriptions, or believed to be in the public domain. We have made reasonable efforts to credit sources where appropriate. Kapitales Research does not claim ownership of any third-party media unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Customer Notice:
Nextgen Global Services Pty Ltd trading as Kapitales Research (ABN 89 652 632 561) is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 1293674) of Enva Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 424494). The information contained in this website is general information only. Any advice is general advice only. No consideration has been given or will be given to the individual investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. The decision to invest or trade and the method selected is a personal decision and involves an inherent level of risk, and you must undertake your own investigations and obtain your own advice regarding the suitability of this product for your circumstances. Please be aware that all trading activity is subject to both profit & loss and may not be suitable for you. The past performance of this product is not and should not be taken as an indication of future performance.
Kapitales Research, Level 13, Suite 1A, 465 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia | 1800 005 780 | info@kapitales.com.au