India and Russia will now be able to station up to 3,000 troops, along with a limited number of naval ships and aircraft, in each other’s territory under an agreement signed between New Delhi and Moscow in February 2025. This new agreement came into force on January 12 this year, according to Russia’s official legal information portal. The law ratifying the pact was passed by Russia in December 2025.
The Indo-Russian Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement will allow India and Russia to station five warships, ten aircraft, and 3,000 troops simultaneously in the territory of the partner country for a period of five years. If both parties agree, the agreement can be extended for another five years.
The pact is expected to strengthen long-term military cooperation, particularly in servicing India’s Russian-origin military equipment and enabling longer overseas deployments. The agreement will also cover joint military exercises, training, and humanitarian missions. The logistics pact will regulate the deployment of military personnel and equipment, while also providing logistical support.
For warships, the support will include port access, repair services, and the supply of water, food, technical resources, and other essentials. For military aircraft, it includes air traffic control, aeronautical data, and the use of navigation systems.
The pact stands for reciprocal use of military facilities, including airbases and ports, to support ships, aircraft, and personnel. India will now have access to Russian airbases, including those in the Arctic, while allowing Russia access to Indian facilities.