India's Logistics Agreements
Context:
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement into federal law following his visit to New Delhi.
This pact is tailored to the India-Russia dynamic but is similar to the foundational agreements India has already signed with the United States.
Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS)
It sets out procedures for the movement of military formations, warships, and aircraft, and for providing logistical support to each other's forces.
The pact facilitates the mutual use of airspace and port calls.
It is intended for use during joint military exercises, training, and humanitarian assistance operations.
It enables the Indian Navy and Air Force to operate further from home during long-range deployments.
Reciprocally, it institutionalizes support for Russian forces in the Indian Ocean.
Foundational Agreements with the USA:
Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA, 2016):
It enables the US and Indian militaries to refuel from one another's military bases and access supplies, spare parts, and services from land facilities, air bases, and ports.
Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA, 2018):
It permits the US to transfer encrypted communication equipment to India, allowing military leaders, aircraft, and ships to communicate over secure networks during both peace and conflict.
Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA):
Signed in October 2020, it enables the sharing of geospatial intelligence and advanced satellite data critical for precision-guided munitions and strategic operations.
It permits India to access advanced US geospatial intelligence, including satellite data and topographical mapping crucial for accurate missile targeting, navigation, and reconnaissance.