Why is it in the news?

• After a few years of hiatus, the mutual logistics agreement between India and Russia is set to be finalized, as Russia recently sanctioned the draft agreement.

More about the news

• The agreement aims to streamline military exchanges for joint exercises, training activities, port visits, and humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. This arrangement is akin to similar agreements that India has established with various countries, initially starting with the United States back in 2016.
• The finalization of the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) has faced delays over the past years. This is the same agreement that has now received approval from the Russian side and awaits signatures from both parties to go into effect. The agreement, once executed, will be valid for five years and will automatically renew unless either country expresses a desire to terminate it.
• Defence cooperation is a key aspect of the India-Russia strategic partnership, governed by the agreement on military technical cooperation. The partnership agreement for the decade spanning 2021 to 2031 was signed during the inaugural India-Russia 2+2 dialogue in December 2021. This agreement involves coordination among military personnel and addresses matters related to the supply and development of weaponry and military equipment. A similar Navy-to-Navy cooperation agreement has also been in progress for some time.
• India has established logistics agreements with various nations, including all Quad countries, France, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam. These accords are administrative processes that facilitate military facility access for fuel and supplies exchange based on mutual consent. These arrangements streamline logistical support and enhance military operational efficiency during activities outside of India.
• Upon its signature, the RELOS will grant India access to Russian facilities in the Arctic region, where heightened global activity is observed due to emergent shipping lanes. This development holds significance in light of India’s increasing investments in Russia’s eastern regions.

Significance

• Among all the services, the Indian Navy stands to gain the most from these administrative arrangements established with numerous countries, enhancing its operational efficacy and interoperability on the open seas.
• These agreements have proven mutually advantageous for the participating parties. Notably, the foundational agreements with the S., as well as logistics pacts with Australia and Japan, have particularly benefited India due to shared military platforms and the rising acquisition of U.S.-sourced equipment.
• The United Kingdom has capitalized on its agreement with India to expand maritime collaboration. Recent instances include Royal Navy vessels receiving prompt deliveries of spare parts manufactured by Indian shipyards, underscoring the growing interoperability between the two navies. Furthermore, Royal Air Force flights in the region have benefitted from logistical layovers in India on two separate occasions.