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. It further covers logistical cooperation, joint military exercises, training exchanges, humanitarian assistance operations, and coordinated responses to natural disasters and emergency situations. The agreement is designed to streamline cooperation across multiple defence and support functions, reflecting an expanded operational relationship between the two countries.