Kathrine Frich
As Russia’s ties with the West remain frozen by war and sanctions, the Kremlin has increasingly leaned on long-standing partners outside Europe.
One of the most important of those relationships is with India, which has continued to deepen cooperation with Moscow despite pressure from Western capitals.
That partnership took a further step this week with the formal approval of a new military agreement.
Formal ratification
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ratified a government agreement with India regulating the mutual sending of military personnel and equipment, according to a notice published in Russia’s official bulletin.
The agreement sets out procedures for the deployment of troops, military hardware and logistical support during joint military exercises, EFE reported, citing Agerpres.
It also establishes a legal framework for the movement of forces during training missions and agreed emergency situations.
Broader scope
Beyond exercises, the deal covers deployments linked to humanitarian operations, including responses to natural disasters and famine.
According to the published note, the agreement also simplifies the use of airspace and port access for warships from both countries, easing logistical barriers for military cooperation.
The measures are designed to standardise rules that apply whenever Russian and Indian forces operate on each other’s territory.
Recent talks
The ratification follows Putin’s visit to New Delhi in early December, where he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During that trip, the two leaders signed several additional agreements focused on trade and transport, reinforcing economic and strategic ties between the two countries.
Russia and India have maintained close defence cooperation for decades, with India relying heavily on Russian military equipment.
Oil ties deepen
Economic relations between the two countries have also expanded since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
After Western sanctions were imposed on Moscow, India emerged as the largest importer of Russian oil delivered by sea.
Russia now supplies more than a third of India’s total oil imports, with New Delhi purchasing hydrocarbons at discounted prices.
Sources: EFE, Agerpres, Digi24
