India-Russia pact signals major defence shift

This arrangement, posted on Russia’s official legal‑information portal, also permits the simultaneous deployment of 10 aircraft and 5 ships, reported Sputnik.

The agreement lays out rules for the mutual stationing of military units, ships, and aircraft, and includes provisions for logistical, technical, and operational support for forces deployed by either country, the Russian news agency reported.

Data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that India remains the world’s second-largest arms importer. Russia continues to be a key supplier, accounting for 40 per cent of India’s arms imports, though this marks a decline from 51 per cent during 2016–20 and 70 per cent in 2011–15.

India and the United States signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in Washington, DC, on August 29, 2016.

LEMOA is a facilitating pact that establishes the terms and procedures for reciprocal logistical support, supplies, and services between the forces of the two countries. These include provisions such as food, water, accommodation, transportation, fuel, medical services, training, maintenance, and port services.