In a move set to strengthen their longstanding military ties, India and Russia are finalizing a logistics agreement that will grant each nation access to the other's military facilities. The draft agreement, approved by the Russian government and published on their legal information portal.
The agreement, once signed, will simplify logistical procedures for joint military exercises, streamline access to each other's military bases, and potentially contribute to a broader Eurasian security framework. This pact is seen as particularly beneficial for the Russian Navy operating in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and for India in the Arctic.
According to sources, this agreement could also simplify visa and immigration protocols for military personnel, further enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
This agreement is a continuation of the deep-rooted military relationship between India and Russia. In 2021, they signed a comprehensive agreement on military-technical cooperation that extends until 2030.
India has similar logistics agreements with several other countries, including the United States, France, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, and Japan.
This development comes at a time when both nations are navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. India has been encouraging a more active Russian presence in the IOR as a counterbalance to China's growing influence.
Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly planning to expand its military presence in Myanmar and Vietnam, and India is being encouraged to play a more prominent role in the Arctic.
