India and Russia Hold Army Talks on Defence Cooperation

India and Russia held high-level Army talks on 24 May 2026 to expand defence cooperation and improve joint military capabilities. The 5th Sub Working Group (Land) meeting was held in New Delhi under the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC).

India-Russia Defence Cooperation Framework

The IRIGC-M&MTC is the institutional mechanism for military and military-technical cooperation between India and Russia. The Indian Army and the Russian Land Forces use this platform for discussions on training, capability development, and operational coordination.

Land Forces and Logistics Cooperation

The Russian delegation visited the Shatrujeet Brigade during the visit. The two sides discussed mutual learning, operational synergy, and bilateral military capabilities as part of land-force cooperation.

Reciprocal Exchange Of Logistics Agreement

The Reciprocal Exchange Of Logistics Agreement (RELOS) came into effect on 12 January 2026 after ratification in December 2025. The agreement allows India and Russia to station up to 3,000 troops, five warships, and ten aircraft in each other’s territory.

Important Facts for Exams

• India and Russia are long-standing defence partners with cooperation in military hardware, joint exercises, and technology transfer.
• BRICS is a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and it expanded in 2024 with new members.
• New Delhi is the venue for the 5th Sub Working Group (Land) meeting under IRIGC-M&MTC.
• RELOS is a logistics agreement linked to military access, support, and deployment arrangements.

Future Defence and Strategic Cooperation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed defence manufacturing, space work, and fertiliser supplies during his visit to India in May 2026. The roadmap for future collaboration includes joint production of weapons and cooperation in the space sector. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the BRICS summit scheduled for 12-13 September 2026 in New Delhi. India and Russia continue to use institutional and bilateral mechanisms for defence, logistics, and strategic cooperation.