[Answered] Examine the strategic significance of the India–Russia RELOS agreement in expanding India’s maritime footprint from the Arctic to the Indo-Pacific. Analyze its impact on India’s ‘Strategic Autonomy’ amidst shifting global geopolitical alignments and security architectures.

Introduction

Amid intensifying great-power rivalry and maritime competition from the Arctic to the Indo-Pacific, the India–Russia RELOS agreement marks a critical step in enhancing India’s operational reach while preserving strategic autonomy.

RELOS: Nature and Scope

1. Reciprocal Logistics Framework: The Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support enables mutual access to bases, ports, airfields, refuelling, repairs, and maintenance during exercises, deployments, and HADR operations.
2. Institutionalised Military Mobility: It regulates movement of troops, warships, and aircraft, reducing operational friction and response time.
3. Legal and Strategic Depth: Ratified by Russia’s parliament and signed by Vladimir Putin, RELOS formalises long-term defence cooperation.

Expanding India’s Maritime and Strategic Footprint

1. Arctic Access: Entry to Russian bases like Murmansk enhances India’s presence in the Arctic, vital amid climate change, Northern Sea Route expansion, and resource geopolitics.
2. Indo-Pacific Reach: Access to Vladivostok strengthens India’s eastern maritime posture, complementing its Indo-Pacific vision.
3. Operational Endurance: Refuelling and maintenance abroad enable longer deployments for the Indian Navy and Air Force, especially for Russian-origin platforms.

Complementing India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

1. Beyond the QUAD Lens: While India cooperates with the US, Japan, and Australia, RELOS shows Indo-Pacific engagement need not be bloc-centric.
2. Multipolar Maritime Presence: India leverages Russia’s global base network to avoid overdependence on any single partner.
3. HADR and SLOC Security: Logistics access improves India’s capacity for humanitarian missions and sea lane protection.

Strategic Autonomy in a Fragmented World Order

1. Multi-Alignment Doctrine: RELOS aligns with India’s practice of engaging rival power centres without formal alliances.
2. Parallel Logistics Pacts: Similar to LEMOA, COMCASA and BECA, but tailored to India–Russia dynamics.
3. Autonomy through Options: Diversified logistics access enhances bargaining power and reduces strategic vulnerability.

Implications for Global Security Architecture

1. Balancing China without Provocation: Russia’s Arctic and Pacific access indirectly counters China’s growing footprint, without overt alignment.
2. Russia in the Indian Ocean: RELOS facilitates Russian presence in the Indian Ocean, reinforcing Moscow’s multipolar ambitions.
3. Signal of Independent Foreign Policy: India engages Russia despite Western sanctions, underscoring issue-based realism.

Concerns and Constraints

1. Western Perception Risks: Deepening defence ties with Russia may raise concerns among QUAD partners.
2. Operational Compatibility:  Logistical interoperability must navigate differences in platforms, standards, and doctrines.
3. Geopolitical Volatility: Russia’s global position may affect long-term utilisation.

Way Forward

1. Arctic Strategy Integration: Align RELOS with India’s Arctic Policy on research, energy, and shipping.
2. Balanced Defence Diplomacy: Maintain transparency with Western partners to reassure commitment to a free Indo-Pacific.
3. HADR and Confidence-Building Use: Prioritise non-combat applications to legitimise presence.

Conclusion

As Henry Kissinger notes in World Order, stability flows from balance, not blocs; RELOS strengthens India’s maritime reach while preserving strategic autonomy in an increasingly fragmented global security order.