RELOS access to Indian Ocean ports can give Russia concrete economic advantages by cutting logistics costs, securing energy routes, and opening markets along critical sea lanes. It also supports Russia’s broader efforts to reorient trade towards Asia and the Global South amid Western sanctions.
Cheaper And More Flexible Sea Logistics
Using Indian ports for refuelling, maintenance, and rest stops lets Russian naval and support vessels operate in the Indian Ocean without towing large, expensive supply fleets from home waters. Lower operating costs and fewer logistical bottlenecks make it easier and cheaper for Russia to escort or monitor commercial shipping, indirectly supporting Russian exporters using sea routes that pass near India, the Gulf, and East Africa.
Support For Energy And Commodity Exports
The Indian Ocean is the gateway to energy‑hungry markets in South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa, all of which are potential or existing buyers of Russian oil, gas, coal, and fertilizers. Easier access to Indian ports complements corridors like the International North‑South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Eastern Maritime Corridor, helping Russia move hydrocarbons and bulk goods more efficiently to and from India and beyond.
Diversification Of Trade Routes And Sanctions Resilience
By strengthening its presence in the Indian Ocean, Russia gains more practical options to route trade via Indian and other non‑Western hubs rather than relying on European ports and Western‑controlled chokepoints. This geographic diversification supports de‑risking from sanctions by making it easier to sustain discounted energy exports and rupee/rouble‑linked trade with India and third countries.
Access To Growth Markets Along The Rim
Regular naval and logistical presence, even at modest scale, tends to accompany commercial diplomacy, defence exports, and infrastructure deals with countries along the Indian Ocean rim (from the Gulf to East Africa and island states). RELOS therefore underpins Russia’s ability to pitch nuclear, energy, arms, and infrastructure projects to these economies while showcasing itself as a long‑term security and logistics partner, not just a distant supplier.
Strengthening India As A Trade Partner
As India becomes a larger hub for Russian crude, LNG, coal, and fertilizers often re‑exported after processing smooth military logistics and close strategic ties reduce the risk of sudden access or security disruptions in surrounding waters. A more secure and politically stable logistics environment around India supports long‑term contracts, joint ventures, and investment in shipping, terminals, and energy infrastructure that directly benefit Russian firms
