India and Russia Push for Military Logistic Support Agreement
• Dr. Vijay Sakhuja
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Russia in early July 2024 to hold summit level talks with President Vladimir Putin. Both leaders can be expected to deliberate on current global developments particularly the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, situation in West Asia involving Israel and Hamas, and the growing importance of multilateral groupings (BRICS, SCO, G20, Eurasian Economic Union, etc.) in which Russia and India can play important roles for global peace. Discussions on the state of bilateral relations within the India-Russia 2+2 dialogue framework, which now span multiple sectors including defence and security, could also be on the agenda. The progress on the INSTC, a flagship joint initiative to build connectivity infrastructure between India and Russia through Iran, which is gathering increased attention in India after the success of Chabahar port project in Iran, would surely find reference in the discussions.
In the context of defence and security, Russia is a major supplier of military hardware to Indian armed forces. The India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) mandates annual high level political meetings (Defence Ministers). It merits mention that the India-Russia defence and security partnership continues to flourish notwithstanding the fact that in recent times the US military hardware has found place in the Indian inventory. There are several ongoing joint Russia-India military hardware projects such as the licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30-MKI aircraft, supply of MiG-29-K aircraft and Kamov-31, upgrade of MiG-29 aircraft, etc. The production of the Brahmos cruise missile in India, and production of AK-203 rifles under the Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) joint venture are indeed notable.
According to media reports, India and Russia have now agreed to expand military engagements by signing a logistics agreement. Apparently, it is quite similar to the India-US Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). India has signed such types of agreements with France, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam as well as the Quad member countries comprising of US, Japan, and Australia and these have been successful initiatives.
The India Russia military logistic support agreement has been labeled as Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) and will enable material support-replenishment (fuel, rations, spare parts) to respective militaries (warships, aircraft, troops). This arrangement would facilitate sustained deployment in distant geographies both during combat and non-combat missions. Similarly, an agreement on the “procedure for sending military personnel and equipment to exercises and combat natural disasters in the two countries” is expected to be finalized before Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia.
The above arrangement would enable the Russian Federation Navy (RFN) to be deployed in the Indian Ocean for long periods. The RFN conducts drills and exercises with navies of Indian Ocean countries such as India, Iran and South Africa, as well as with China under the CHIRU format involving China, Iran and Russia. The RFN also makes port calls in the region and participates in international naval events including defence exhibitions.
Under the RELOS, Russian warships may avail maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services at Indian facilities at Kattupalli in Tamil Nadu (L&T shipyard), Mumbai (Mazagon Docks Limited) and Kochi (Cochin Shipyard Limited) as well as Goa (Goa Shipyard Limited). Majority of these shipyards are equipped to offer MRO services to the RFN given that several Indian warships that have Russian origin weapons and sensors including propulsion systems were constructed/refitted there. Such an arrangement would help the Russian ships avoid long voyages back to homeports in Russia or facilities elsewhere. In essence, Indian MRO capacities are quite significant and RELOS will further strengthen India Russia naval-maritime cooperation.
On its part, India can be expected to seek reciprocal arrangements from Russia particularly in the Horn of Africa. The upcoming Russian naval facility in Sudan can serve as logistic support for the Indian Navy for sustained operations in the Red Sea. Sudan and Russia are likely to sign a series of military and economic agreements, including the establishment of a Russian naval logistical support center on the Red Sea. According to Lt Gen Yasir al-Atta, a member of Sudan’s military-led Sovereign Council, “Russia proposed military cooperation through a logistical support Center, not a full military base, in return for urgent weapons and ammunition supplies.” The Sudanese General has noted that his country is quite amenable to “similar agreements with other countries, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, prioritizing Sudan’s interests above all”.
India does not have any military or naval interests in the Arctic; instead it has a robust polar science research programme for which it should seek Russian technical assistance to build a polar research vessel. However, New Delhi remains concerned about the growing militarization of the Arctic region which could impact on global peace.
Dr. Vijay Sakhuja is Professor and Head, Center of Excellence for Geopolitics and International Studies (CEGIS), REVA University, Bengaluru.
