India and Russia have signed a Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), enhancing defense cooperation and allowing reciprocal access to military facilities for exercises and training. This pact is expected to increase Moscow's influence in the Indian Ocean and strengthen New Delhi's strategic presence in the Arctic. Analysts clarify it does not mean open access to each other's bases.

A pact between India and Russia on reciprocal access to military facilities is expected to boost Moscow’s influence in the Indian Ocean and increase New Delhi’s presence in the Arctic. However, it does not mean the two countries’ bases will be opened to each other’s armed forces as they step up defence cooperation, according to analysts. India and Russia signed the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) covering military exercises, training and humanitarian missions in Moscow in...