Russia’s State Duma, the lower house of the parliament, ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) agreement with India just a few days before President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi for a two-day state visit. The move shows a fresh push to make cooperation between the two militaries smoother and more practical. The pact was signed on February 18 and was submitted for ratification last week by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and it was cleared on Tuesday, news agency PTI reported.

Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the State Duma, said, "Our relations with India are strategic and comprehensive, and we value them. We understand that today's ratification of the agreement is another step toward reciprocity and development of our relations."

The RELOS framework allows both countries to send soldiers, warships and military aircraft to each other’s bases and receive logistical support such as fuel, food, repair facilities and transport.

The arrangement covers the movement of troops and equipment and explains procedures for supplies and maintenance during joint exercises, training, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

According to the Russian Cabinet of Ministers, the ratification will allow the mutual use of airspace and port calls for Indian and Russian military vessels, which will widen operational access and strengthen overall defence cooperation.

Putin will be in India from December 4 to 5 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Defence cooperation is expected to be a major part of the visit, and the talks may include the possible supply of Su-57 stealth jets and more S-400 air defence systems, which were earlier deployed during Operation Sindoor.

Russia is also being seen as a partner for expanded co-production of military hardware, even though its share in India’s arms imports has fallen by half over the past fifteen years, while it still remains the country’s biggest supplier.

The visit comes at a time when the United States continues to put pressure on India over its defence and energy ties with Russia, and the Donald Trump administration has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, including a 25 per cent penalty that is linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil, which has been in effect since August 27.

Although both countries say they remain friendly and are holding bilateral talks, they have not been able to reach any agreement so far.