Context:
The India-Russia mutual logistics agreement, known as the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), is nearing finalization. This agreement will enhance military cooperation between India and Russia, encompassing joint exercises, training, and disaster relief operations.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS)
- Evolution of India-Russia Relationship
- Key Challenges in India-Russia Relations
- Conclusion
Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS)
Overview
- The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) between India and Russia aims to enhance military cooperation between the two nations.
- This administrative arrangement is designed to streamline military logistics support, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of joint operations and long-distance missions.
Significance
- Replenishment of Supplies: Facilitates the continuous, uninterrupted military presence by ensuring the replenishment of essential supplies such as fuel, rations, and spare parts.
- Berthing Facilities: Provides berthing facilities for troops, warships, and aircraft.
- Operational Applicability: Applicable during both wartime and peacetime missions.
- Utilisation of Logistics Networks: Enables smoother utilisation of the host nation’s existing logistics networks, enhancing the ability to respond swiftly to crises.
- Strategic Edge: Provides a strategic advantage to the military operations of both countries, thereby reducing overall mission costs.
- Maritime Outreach: Enhances India’s maritime outreach and influence in strategically important regions.
- Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Boosts MDA and shared logistics facilities, enabling better information exchange about maritime activities and improving situational awareness for both countries.
Geopolitical Impact
- Balance with Quad and Russia: Balances India’s logistics agreements with Quad countries and aligns with Russia’s non-Quad stance.
- Strengthening Presence: Strengthens Russian presence in the Indo-Pacific region without Quad involvement.
- Counterbalance: Counterbalances US influence and China’s regional role for both India and Russia.
- Arctic Engagements: India’s primary engagements in the Arctic focus on understanding the scientific interconnections between Arctic sea ice melting and changes in Indian monsoon systems.
Evolution of India-Russia Relationship
Historical Milestones
- Indo-Soviet Friendship Treaty of 1971: In the aftermath of the Indo-Pak war, Russia supported India, while the US and China backed Pakistan.
- Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership (2000): Marked a new era of enhanced cooperation across various sectors.
- Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership (2010): Elevated during the Russian President’s visit to India, highlighting deeper strategic ties.
Economic Ties
- Bilateral Trade: Significant trade volume, reaching approximately USD 13 billion in 2021-22.
- Trading Partners: Russia ranks as India’s seventh-largest trading partner, showing a substantial rise in trade relations.
Political and Security Engagements
- Inter-Governmental Commissions: Regular meetings focusing on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC).
- Defence and Security Relations: Regular Tri-Services exercise ‘INDRA’.
- Joint Military Programs:
- BrahMos cruise missile program.
- 5th generation fighter jet program.
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI programme.
- Military Hardware:
- S-400 Triumf.
- Kamov Ka-226 (200 to be made in India under Make in India).
- T-90S Bhishma.
- INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier program.
- AK-203 Rifles.
Technological and Scientific Collaboration
- Historical Support: Soviet assistance in establishing institutions like the Bhilai Steel Plant and supporting India’s space program.
- Advanced Fields: Collaboration in nanotechnologies, quantum computing, and India’s manned spaceflight program (Gaganyaan).
Key Challenges in India-Russia Relations
Geopolitical Dynamics
- Closer Ties with China: Russia’s strategy to avoid conflicts on two fronts (West and China).
- Sino-Russian Cooperation: Increasing military and economic cooperation between China and Russia affecting India’s strategic interests.
- Improved Relations with Pakistan: Complications arising from stronger US-India ties, impacting India’s regional strategy.
Strategic Dilemmas
- Global Strategic Partnerships: India’s challenge in balancing its comprehensive global strategic partnership with the US and its special and privileged partnership with Russia.
Western Criticism
- Russian Invasion of Ukraine: India’s neutrality and continued economic cooperation with Moscow faced criticism from the West.
Defence Procurement
- Decline in Defence Purchases: India’s diversification of defence imports, reducing dependency on Russian arms and exploring other suppliers, potentially including Pakistan.
Conclusion
India and Russia have evolved their relationship from historical ties to a multifaceted partnership encompassing trade, defence, and advanced technology. Despite facing geopolitical challenges and strategic dilemmas, both nations continue to find common ground for cooperation, balancing their interests in a complex international landscape.
-Source: The Hindu
