As India and the United States concluded a naval exercise in the Andaman and Nicobar in the Indian Ocean, India and Russia are likely to sign a defence logistics sharing agreement at the annual summit planned later this year, reports Economic Times.
After the agreement is signed the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement will simplify interoperability and will give support to India’s military platforms like warships and aircraft.
Right now the negotiations are ongoing and an agreement could be signed in the next edition of the annual summit when Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India later this year.
By signing this agreement both nations warships will get access to mutual ports and exclusive economic zones to refuel and pick up supplies.
The Indian Navy operates several warships built by Russia and this pact will allow a smooth transit during exercises or refits and allow the Indian Air Force (IAF) to deploy aircraft for joint exercises.
Within the pact, there is also a proposal, wherein a certain number of troops could be deployed in each other’s country.
Russia has a shortage of warm weather ports and this pact could give Russia access to Indian ports like Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam for refuelling. For India, Russian airbases and ports including the ports in the Russian part of Arctic will help gain operational experience in a cold environment.
India has already signed similar logistics sharing pacts with the United States, France and Australia and is also finalising an agreement with Japan.