India & Russia Sign Major Defence Pact for Joint Military Exercises

India and Russia are set to deepen their military cooperation following the approval of a significant Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (reLOS) agreement by Russia’s State Duma. This landmark pact, ratified just days before President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi on December 4-5, facilitates the exchange of troops, warships, and aircraft for joint military drills and other mutual operations. The agreement outlines comprehensive logistical support, including fuel, maintenance, berthing, and supplies, enabling enhanced interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces. This strategic move is expected to strengthen the long-standing defense partnership, simplifying procedures for accessing each other’s airspace and allowing easier port calls for naval vessels. Discussions on advanced defense platforms, such as the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter and additional S-400 air defense systems, are also on the agenda for the upcoming high-level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin, underscoring the commitment to bolstering bilateral defense ties.