ThePrint OpinionPod: Chennai to the Arctic—India-Russia RELOS gives New Delhi new maritime access
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Dec 7, 2025 A major milestone in India-Russia defence ties is achieved with the ratification of the RELOS agreement. This pact enhances maritime cooperation from Chennai to the Arctic, paving the way for new operational strategies. The discussion highlights India's maritime evolution and the significance of logistics pacts, alongside the operational benefits RELOS brings to the Indian Navy. The podcast also examines India's long-standing Arctic interests, while addressing challenges like trade imbalances and geopolitical risks. A new era of engagement is on the horizon!
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RELOS Unlocks New Maritime Reach
- The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) ratification opens new maritime reach from Chennai to the Arctic.
- It effectively closes a long-standing gap and enables deeper India–Russia naval coordination across vast geographies.
India's Maritime Transformation Explained
- India's shift from continental to maritime power explains its gradual embrace of logistics agreements.
- This strategic evolution began with the Sagar Doctrine and accelerated after concerns about Chinese assertiveness.
From Hesitation To Multiple LSAs
- India treated logistics agreements cautiously fearing erosion of strategic autonomy until 2016.
- LEMOA's signing triggered a rapid series of similar pacts, but the Russia agreement lagged until 2025.