Summary Russia and India’s military cooperation agreement comes into force, allowing limited deployment of troops, warships and aircraft along with expanded joint exercises and defence coordination.
MOSCOW (Shahid Ghumman) – A new intergovernmental military cooperation agreement between Russia and India has officially come into force, marking a significant step in defence collaboration between the two countries and paving the way for expanded joint exercises, training programmes and coordinated operational activities.
The agreement, which was signed in February 2025, received ratification in Russia in December 2025 and became effective on 12 January 2026. It establishes a structured framework for the mutual deployment of military personnel, naval vessels and combat aircraft between the two nations under defined limits and operational protocols.
Under the terms of the agreement, both Russia and India are permitted to maintain a limited military presence on each other’s territory and within their respective airspace. The arrangement allows for the simultaneous deployment of up to five warships, ten military aircraft and a maximum of 3,000 military personnel at any given time, subject to agreed conditions and prior coordination.
The accord extends beyond troop and equipment deployment, incorporating a broader scope of defence engagement. It covers logistical cooperation, joint military exercises, training exchanges, humanitarian assistance operations, and coordinated responses to natural disasters and emergency situations. The framework is designed to streamline cooperation across multiple defence and support functions, reflecting an expanded operational relationship between the two countries.
In addition to deployment provisions, the agreement simplifies procedures for the use of airspace and access to ports, reducing administrative barriers for naval and air force movements. This includes facilitated entry mechanisms for military vessels at designated ports and more structured permissions for aircraft operations within each other’s airspace.
The implementation of the agreement is expected to enhance interoperability between the armed forces of Russia and India, enabling more frequent and structured engagement across maritime, aerial and land-based domains. Defence officials from both sides are anticipated to coordinate upcoming activities under the newly activated framework, including joint training exercises and logistical planning initiatives.
