Overview
- Russia completed its domestic process by publishing the RELOS law after Duma approval on December 2 and Federation Council clearance on December 8, with the pact to take effect once both sides exchange ratification instruments.
- The agreement sets rules for deploying troops, warships and military aircraft, easing airspace use and port calls, and providing logistics during exercises, training, humanitarian missions and disaster relief, with possible use in other agreed situations.
- The step follows the December 4–5 New Delhi summit that produced a 2030 economic cooperation program and sectoral MOUs, where Vladimir Putin pledged uninterrupted energy supplies to India.
- Defence cooperation is now centered on joint development, co‑production and maintenance rather than large immediate purchases, reflecting delivery constraints and India’s drive for self‑reliance.
- Both governments are seeking to rebalance a trade profile dominated by Russian crude through alternative settlement mechanisms, regulatory fixes and expanded market access, including new mobility and visa measures.