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The India–Russia Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), also known as the Logistics Support Agreement (LSA), became operational in January 2026, strengthening defence cooperation by enabling reciprocal logistical support during agreed military activities.

What is RELOS?

The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) is a bilateral logistics support agreement between India and Russia that establishes a standardized framework for the reciprocal use of each other's military bases, ports, and airfields for logistical support. It is a non-offensive administrative and technical arrangement intended to facilitate refuelling, replenishment, maintenance, and other logistical services during mutually agreed military engagements.

The agreement was signed on 18 February 2025 in Moscow and entered into force in January 2026.

Objectives

The primary objective of RELOS is to simplify logistical cooperation between the armed forces of both countries by replacing time-consuming case-by-case approvals with a standardized mechanism. This enhances operational efficiency, reduces administrative delays, and extends the operational reach of Indian and Russian naval and air assets.

Key Features

The agreement can be activated only during mutually agreed activities, including:

• Joint military exercises.
• Military training.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
• Official port visits and naval deployments.

Under the agreement, both countries can access a wide range of logistical services such as:

• Fuel, petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL).
• Food, fresh water and accommodation.
• Transport and storage facilities.
• Medical assistance.
• Maintenance, repair, calibration and spare parts support.

A notable provision is the administrative ceiling of 3,000 military personnel, which merely facilitates logistical planning for large temporary deployments during exercises. It does not permit permanent deployment or stationing of troops.

Importantly, the agreement contains a strict non-basing clause, explicitly prohibiting the establishment of permanent military bases or long-term deployment of troops or military assets on each other's territory.

The agreement has an initial validity of five years, after which it may be reviewed or modified by mutual consent.