Russia-India Relations: Major Defence Agreement Inked Between Two Nation, Marking a New Step Toward Military Cooperation

On the second day of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s India visit, major developments are lined up, drawing global attention. Today, Putin will receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Rajghat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Both leaders will then hold an important bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House, where around 25 agreements across defence, trade, culture, and scientific cooperation are expected. They will also address the India-Russia Business Forum, and in the evening, President Putin will meet President Droupadi Murmu. On Wednesday, PM Modi broke protocol by personally welcoming President Putin at the airport. The two leaders travelled together in PM Modi’s Fortuner, shared warm conversations, and clicked a selfie that later went viral. This is Putin’s first visit to India since the Russia–Ukraine war. Ahead of the visit, Russia’s Parliament approved the RELOS defence agreement, strengthening military cooperation between the two nations. Under this agreement, both countries can deploy military equipment, naval vessels, and aircraft in each other’s territories for joint exercises, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. The deal allows the deployment of up to five warships, 10 military aircraft, and 3000 military personnel at each other’s military bases. This will give Russia strategic presence in the Indian Ocean, while India will gain access for surveillance in the Arctic region.