Significance of Logistics Agreements: RELOS Explained

What is a Logistics Agreement?

A logistics agreement is a military understanding between two countries, allowing their armed forces to utilize each other’s bases for essential services such as:

• Refueling
• Food and supplies
• Repair and maintenance
• Berthing of ships
• Resting of crews

These agreements do not entail the permanent stationing of troops; rather, they provide temporary logistical support. For example, if an Indian Navy ship is far from home and requires fuel, it can utilize the partner country's port instead of waiting for a supply ship.

What is RELOS?

RELOS, or Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support, is the logistics agreement between India and Russia. It enables both countries' militaries to access each other's bases for approved logistical services.

Why Do Countries Sign Such Agreements?

Modern military operations often demand long-distance travel, and no nation can carry unlimited fuel, food, or spare parts everywhere. Logistics agreements aid in minimizing:

• Operational costs
• Travel time
• Delays during missions

For instance, an aircraft can avoid carrying fuel for its entire journey if it knows it can refuel at a friendly airbase along the way.

Why is RELOS Important for India?

• India Uses Many Russian Military Systems: A significant portion of India’s fighters, submarines, tanks, and missiles are of Russian origin. RELOS facilitates technical support and spare parts availability during missions. For example, if a Su-30 fighter needs a spare part during an exercise in Central Asia, Russia can send it quickly, utilizing an Indian base under RELOS.
• Access to Russian Ports and Airbases: India gains access to strategic Russian bases across various regions, including the Arctic and the Pacific coast. For instance, during an Arctic expedition, an Indian Navy ship can refuel at a Russian port such as Murmansk.
• Stronger Naval Presence: Indian warships operating in the Pacific Ocean can utilize Russian bases like Vladivostok for support.

Why is RELOS Important for Russia?

Russia benefits by gaining access to Indian facilities such as Kochi, Mumbai, Chennai, and the Andaman & Nicobar bases. For example, a Russian ship on anti-piracy patrol near Somalia can refuel at Kochi instead of returning thousands of kilometers to Russia.

Activities Covered Under RELOS

RELOS supports various military and humanitarian operations, including:

• Joint military exercises
• Training missions
• Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR)
• Anti-piracy operations
• Peacekeeping support
• Routine deployment logistics

During the INDRA exercise, for instance, Indian aircraft can refuel and rest at Russian bases without lengthy approvals.

How Many Russian Facilities Can India Access?

India can access over 40 Russian bases, including Arctic ports, Pacific naval stations, and airbases across Russia. This access provides India with strategic reach in the Arctic region, unmatched by any other partner.

Comparison with India’s Other Logistics Agreements

India has similar agreements with several countries including the United States (LEMOA), France, Japan, and Australia. While these facilitate operations in the Indian Ocean and Pacific, RELOS is unique due to its:

• Arctic access
• Support across Eurasia
• Better maintenance support for Russian-origin platforms

Broader Strategic Benefits of RELOS

RELOS enhances India-Russia defense relations, providing India with:

• Improved maintenance and logistics for Russian systems
• Enhanced operational reach from the Indian Ocean to the Arctic
• A balanced strategic position between Western and Asian partners
• Reduced operational risks during crises

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the primary benefits of logistics agreements?
Answer: Logistics agreements facilitate military cooperation by allowing countries to share resources like fuel and maintenance, reducing operational costs and delays during missions.

Q2. How does RELOS support India's military capabilities?
Answer: RELOS allows India to access Russian bases for logistical support, making it easier to maintain Russian-origin military equipment and conduct operations effectively.

Q3. What types of operations does RELOS cover?
Answer: RELOS supports joint military exercises, humanitarian missions, anti-piracy operations, and peacekeeping tasks, enhancing military readiness and collaboration.

Q4. Why is access to Russian ports significant for India?
Answer: Access to Russian ports allows Indian naval forces to refuel and maintain operational readiness, especially in strategic regions like the Arctic and Pacific.

Q5. How does RELOS compare to other logistics agreements India has?
Answer: RELOS is unique as it provides access to Russian facilities across Eurasia and the Arctic, unlike other agreements which primarily focus on the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions.