The new agreement simplifies logistics and cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries for joint military activities

Russia and India have inked a new defense logistics pact that aims to enhance coordination in exercises, disaster relief, and other joint operations, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday. The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) was signed following a meeting between Russian Deputy Defense Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin and India's ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar. 

Both sides emphasized the importance of the agreement in advancing military cooperation and reiterated their commitment to strengthening defense ties. 

"The parties noted the importance of the signed document for further interaction in the military sphere and confirmed their focus on consistently strengthening cooperation in the spirit of a particularly privileged strategic partnership," the Russian Ministry of Defense added.

The pact is expected to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of both countries, particularly in military exercises and humanitarian or disaster relief operations.

"Agreements of this kind expand the geographic opportunities for peacetime operations for all participating parties. Currently, this is less relevant for Russia since its main efforts are focused on the military operation in Ukraine, but after the conflict ends, this agreement will be useful," Alexey Kupriyanov, head of the Center of the Indo-Pacific Region of the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO), told RT earlier. 

"It is possible that the provisions of this agreement will apply in the case of joint exercises in Arctic territories and waters of the Arctic Ocean. From the perspective of Indian military elites and the expert community, this is important because Delhi is concerned about increased Chinese activity in polar regions," the expert added.

Russia and India have maintained close defense ties for decades. Moscow remains New Delhi's largest defense supplier, although the South Asian country is actively diversifying its military import sources and technological partnerships, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). 

Russia has been a long-term supplier and technological partner for some of New Delhi's most advanced systems, including the Su-30MKI fighter built in India under license, and BrahMos missiles, which are developed jointly by the two countries. Approximately 60% of the Indian military's hardware today is of Russian origin, and the two countries have expressed their intention of deepening ties further.

READ MORE: Why the ties between Russia and India are unbreakable

In December, a high-profile military delegation from India led by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh visited Russia for high-level talks. Singh was received by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. During the meeting, the Indian defense minister noted that "despite the geopolitical challenges and immense public and private pressure, India has made a conscious decision to not only continue close contacts with Russia but also to deepen and expand our cooperation." "We will always stand together with our Russian colleagues," he stressed.