Russia–India Relations Strengthened as President Putin’s Visit Delivers Major Defence and Economic Agreements

Russia–India Relations Strengthened as President Putin’s Visit Delivers Major Defence and Economic Agreements

New Delhi | Paris Telegraph | International Affairs

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India has resulted in a series of high-impact strategic, defence, and economic agreements, significantly reinforcing the long-standing India–Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The visit, held during the India–Russia Annual Summit, underscored New Delhi’s pursuit of strategic autonomy amid shifting global power dynamics.

At the heart of the agreements is the RELOS (Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support) Agreement, a landmark defence pact that modernises military cooperation between the two nations and expands their operational reach across multiple regions.

RELOS Agreement Marks a New Phase in Defence Cooperation

The RELOS Agreement enables the armed forces of India and Russia to access each other’s military logistics facilities for refuelling, replenishment, maintenance, and repair during joint exercises, training missions, humanitarian operations, and disaster-relief deployments.

Under the agreement:

• Indian and Russian naval vessels and military aircraft can use designated bases and ports of the partner country.
• The pact improves interoperability and operational efficiency between the two militaries.
• India gains logistical access extending beyond the Indo-Pacific, while Russia strengthens its presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

Defence analysts describe RELOS as comparable to India’s logistics agreements with Western partners, reflecting New Delhi’s multi-aligned defence diplomacy.

Economic Roadmap to 2030 Targets USD 100 Billion Trade

Beyond defence, India and Russia adopted a Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap to 2030, aiming to diversify bilateral engagement and expand trade volumes to USD 100 billion over the next decade.

Key economic outcomes include:

• Expansion of trade settlements in national currencies, reducing reliance on the US dollar.
• Enhanced cooperation in ports, shipping, and customs procedures.
• Acceleration of connectivity projects such as the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.

These initiatives are expected to reduce transit time, cut logistics costs, and strengthen Eurasian supply chains.

Energy, Nuclear, and Industrial Cooperation Reaffirmed

Energy cooperation remained a central pillar of the summit:

• Russia reaffirmed its role as a key energy supplier to India, including crude oil and fuel products.
• Civil nuclear cooperation, including ongoing projects at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, was reinforced.
• Discussions also covered future nuclear energy projects and collaboration in fertiliser production to ensure food security.

Labour Mobility and People-to-People Engagement

A new labour mobility framework was signed to facilitate the regulated movement of skilled Indian professionals to Russia, addressing workforce shortages while strengthening people-to-people ties.

Additional agreements covered:

• Healthcare and medical research cooperation
• Food safety standards
• Visa facilitation and tourism promotion

Geopolitical Significance

President Putin’s visit highlighted India’s ability to balance relations with major global powers, maintaining deep ties with Russia while simultaneously expanding partnerships with the United States, Europe, and Indo-Pacific allies.

While no large-scale new weapons purchases were announced, the focus on logistics, co-production, and long-term frameworks signals a mature evolution of the bilateral defence relationship.

The visit reaffirmed the resilience of India–Russia relations at a time of global uncertainty. With the RELOS Agreement, a long-term economic roadmap, and reinforced energy and connectivity cooperation, both countries signalled their intent to adapt a historic partnership to contemporary geopolitical realities.