Relevance: GS-II (International Relations), GS-III (Defence & Security)
Source: Ministry of Defence; official bilateral statements

News

India and Russia have concluded a Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support Agreement, allowing their armed forces to access each other’s bases, ports and airfields for logistical support during approved operations.

Key Provisions

• Enables refuelling, repairs, maintenance and replenishment of military assets.
• Applicable to joint exercises, training, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
• Access is case-specific and consent-based, without creating permanent military bases.

Strategic Significance

• Enhances operational efficiency of Russian-origin platforms used by India.
• Expands India’s strategic reach from the Indian Ocean to the Arctic and Pacific regions.
• Reinforces India’s multi-alignment and strategic autonomy, while deepening defence cooperation with Russia.

The agreement complements India’s logistics pacts with the United States, France, Japan and Australia, reflecting a consistent approach to improving interoperability without alliance commitments.

Q. Consider the following statements regarding logistics support agreements:

1. They facilitate logistical cooperation without establishing permanent foreign bases.
2. India signs such agreements as part of alliance-based military strategy.
3. They improve interoperability during joint exercises and humanitarian operations.

Which of the statements are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. All three