GEI | Message to Russia

[Basedcnt]

Fernades would nod at the proposal put forward by the Russian minister. "We would appreciate a general intelligence sharing agreement, both for Indian interests in the Asian area, and Russian interests in Europe. These, for the Indian Intelligence organisation, would be especially targeted at nations like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Furthermore, what types of intelligence gathering do you wish to do at the Andaman base?"

"Any Thai expansion into Myanmar represents a grave threat to the Gandhi Empire and India. That would be a major red line and escalation of the supposedly peaceful socialist expansion. Furthermore, India supports the Russian Federation in any and all actions it may take in regards to the current revolution in the Ukraine."

"I agree. Would you also be interested in establishing a direct liaison between our respective Air Force, Army, Navy and civilian Defence apparatus?"

Jay

 

[Jay]

"I will speak with the SVR to discuss the acceptable scope of a general intelligence sharing agreement however as a starting point I believe that a general intelligence agreement would be workable. President Nemtsov is eager to enhance coopeation with like-minded partners in Asia, and in light of the transnational threat posted by Thailand a more broader agreement may be required." Akhmetov said as he handed the Indian Delegation the following document.

"As you can see, this is proposed language of our status of forces agreement. Please give us your views on it and we will be happy to discuss the finer details."

FACILITIES AND AREAS AND THE STATUS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN THE GHANDIAN EMPIRE​

Whereas the Russian Federation has disposed its armed forces in and about the territory of the Ghandi Empire upon the invitation for the purposes of the Situation in Russia; the Russian Federation and the Ghandi Empire (hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”), in order to strengthen the close bonds of mutual interest between their two countries, have entered into this Agreement regarding facilities and areas and the status of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the Ghandi Empire in terms as set forth below:

In this Agreement the expression:

1. “members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation" means the personnel on active duty belonging to the land, sea, or air armed services of the Russian Federation when in the territory of the Ghandi Empire except for personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation attached to the Russian Embassy
2. "civilian component" means the civilian persons of Russian nationality who are in the employ of, serving with, or accompanying the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the Ghandi Empire, but excludes persons who are ordinarily resident in the Ghandi Empire or dual-nationals,
   1. Dual nationals shall mean persons having the nationality of both the Russian Federation and the Ghandi Empire,
   2. person(s) who are brought into the Ghandi Empire by the Russian Federation shall be considered Russian nationals for the purposes of this agreement;
   3. "dependents" means
      1. spouse and children under 21;
      2. parents, children over 21, or other relatives dependent for over half their support upon a member of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or civilian component.

Article I​

Grant and Return

1. The Russian Federation is granted the use of facilities and areas in the Ghandi Empire. “Facilities and areas” include existing furnishings, equipment, and fixtures, wherever located, used in the operation and such facilities and areas.
   1. The facilities provided for at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Kochi Naval Bases shall be open and when available shall be open to the use of the Russian Federation servicemembers for replenishment and supporting their military operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
   2. The facilities provided for at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Kochi Naval Bases shall be open and when available shall be open to the use of the Russian Federation servicemembers for operations in support of India and as agreed upon by the parties in negotiations that facilitate this agreement.
2. The facilities and areas used by the Russian Federation shall be returned to the Ghandi Empire under such conditions as received whenever they are no longer needed for the purposes of this Agreement and the Russian Federation agrees to keep the needs for facilities under continual observation with a view toward such return.
3. The Russian Federation shall assist with the construction costs of new facilities as deemed necessary by both parties.

Article II​

Security Measures

1. Within the facilities and areas, the Russian Federation may take all the measures necessary for their establishment, operation, safeguarding, and control. In order to provide access for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to the facilities and areas for their support, safeguarding, and control, the Ghandi Empire shall take necessary measures, within the scope of applicable laws and regulations, with respect to land, territorial waters and airspace adjacent to, or in the vicinities of the facilities and areas. The Russian Federation may also take necessary measures for such purposes upon consultation between the Parties.
   1. The Russian Federation shall provide for auxiliary air traffic control and defense in and around the Air Base while primary control and defense rests with the Ghandi Empire. Security in the base shall be the joint responsibility of the Ghandi Empire and the Russian Federation, with the primacy of the Russian commandant’s authority wherein there is concern for threat or harm against personnel and assets of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation stationed at the Facilities.
   2. The Russian Federation, upon request, shall provide for additional defense equipment, upon the request in and around the territorial borders of the Ghandi Empire.
2. The Parties will cooperate in taking such steps as may from time to time be necessary to ensure the security of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the members of, civilian components, and the persons who are present in the Ghandi Empire pursuant to all existing agreements and the property thereof.
3. The Government of the Ghandi Empire agrees to seek such legislation and to take such action as deemed to be necessary to ensure adequate security and protection within its territory of installations, equipment, property, records, and official information of the Russian Federation to ensure the punishment of offenders under the applicable laws of the Ghandi Empire.

Article III​

Respect for Local Law and Criminal Jurisdiction

1. It is the duty of members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to respect the law of the Ghandi Empire and to abstain from any activity inconsistent with the spirit of this Agreement and from any political activity in the Ghandi Empire.
   1. The military authorities of the Russian Federation shall have the right to exercise within the Ghandi Empire all criminal and disciplinary jurisdiction conferred on them by the law of the Russian Federation over members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or civilian components thereof;
   2. The authorities of the Ghandi Empire shall have jurisdiction over the members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or civilian components thereof with respect to offenses committed within the territory of the Ghandi Empire wherein the offense committed was not done within the official scope of their duties as determined by the Russian Government
   3. The military authorities of the Russian Federation shall have the right to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over members of the armed forces of civilian components with respect to offenses, including offenses related to its security, punishable by the law of the Russian Federation, but not by the law of the Ghandi Empire.
2. In cases where the right to exercise jurisdiction is concurrent, the following rules shall apply:
   1. The military authorities of the Russian Federation shall have the primary right to exercise jurisdiction over members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and civilian components when offenses solely against the property or security of the Russian Federation or offenses solely against the person or property of another member of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or act or omission done in the performance of official duties.
   2. If the respective Party chooses not to exercise their primary jurisdiction, it shall not preclude the other from action but shall give sympathetic consideration to a request from the authorities of the other for a waiver of its rights in cases of particular importance.

Article IV​

Utilities and Services

1. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall have the use of all utilities and services which are owned, controlled or regulated by the Government of the Ghandi Empire or local administrative subdivisions thereof in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Kochi Naval Bases. The term "utilities and services" shall include, but not be limited to, transportation and communications facilities and systems, electricity, -gas, water, steam, heat, light, power, and sewage disposal. The use of utilities and services as provided herein shall not prejudice the right of the Russian Federation to operate military transportation, communication power and such other utilities and services deemed necessary for the operations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. This right shall not be exercised in a manner inconsistent with the operation by the Government of the Ghandi Empire of its utilities and services.
2. The use of such utilities and services by the Russian Federation shall be in accordance with priorities, conditions, and rates or tariffs no less favorable than those accorded any other user.

Article V​

Special Privileges

1. Save as provided in this Agreement, members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, and their dependents shall be subject to the laws and regulations administered by the customs authorities of the Ghandi Empire when conducting business outside of their assigned positions but shall be given special privileges for all acts and activities done within their official capacity.
2. All materials, supplies, and equipment imported by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (including their authorized procurement agencies, for the official use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or for the use of the members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, and their dependents, and materials, supplies and equipment which are to be used exclusively by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or are ultimately to be incorporated into articles or facilities used by such forces, shall be permitted entry into the Ghandi Empire; such entry shall be free from customs duties and other such charges.
   1. Appropriate certification shall be made that such materials, supplies, and equipment are being imported by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (including their authorized procurement agencies), or, in the case of materials, supplies, and equipment to be used exclusively by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or ultimately to be incorporated into articles or facilities used by such forces, that delivery thereof is to be taken by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the purposes specified above.
   2. The exemptions provided in this paragraph shall extend to materials, supplies, and equipment imported by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the use of other armed forces in the Ghandi Empire under the Unified Command which receive logistical support from the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
3. Property consigned to and for the personal use of members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, and their dependents, shall be subject to customs duties and other such charges, except that no duties or charges shall be paid with respect to:
   1. furniture, household goods, and personal effects for their private use imported by the members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or civilian component when they first arrive to serve in the Ghandi Empire or by their dependents when they first arrive for reunion with members of such forces or civilian component:
   2. vehicles and parts imported by members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or civilian component for the private use of themselves or their dependent;
   3. reasonable quantities of personal effects and household goods of a type that would ordinarily be purchased in the Russian Federation for the private use of members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, civilian components, and their dependents, which are mailed to the Ghandi Empire through Russian Federation military post offices.
4. The exemptions granted in paragraphs 2 and 3 shall apply only to cases of importation of goods and shall not be interpreted as refunding customs duties and domestic excises collected by the customs authorities at the time of entry in cases of purchase of goods on which such duties and excises have already been collected.
5. Customs examination shall not be made in the following cases:
   1. members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation under orders, other than leave orders, entering or leaving the Ghandi Empire:
   2. official documents under official seal and First Class letter mail in the Russian Federation military postal channels under the official postal seal:
   3. military cargo consigned to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
6. Except as such disposal may be authorized by the authorities of the Russian Federation in accordance with mutually agreed conditions, goods imported into the Ghandi Empire free of duty shall not be disposed of in the Ghandi Empire to persons not entitled to import such goods free of duty.
7. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, in cooperation with the authorities of the Ghandi Empire, shall take such steps as are necessary to prevent the abuse of privileges granted to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, members of such forces, the civilian component, and their dependents in accordance with this Article.
8. In order to prevent offenses against laws and regulations administered by the customs authorities of the Government of the Ghandi Empire, the authorities of the Ghandi Empire and the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall assist each other in the conduct of inquiries and the collection of evidence.
   1. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall render all assistance within their power to ensure that articles liable to seizure by, or on behalf of, the customs authorities of the Government of the Ghandi Empire are handed over to those authorities.
9. The authorities of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall provide all practicable assistance to the customs officials dispatched to military-controlled piers and airports for the purpose of customs inspection.
10. The Russian Federation when providing material items for the comfort of its personnel from amenities not to be resold inside the Ghandi Empire shall be given tariff exemptions and pay a flat fee for importation of said amenities.
    1. The flat fee may not be constructed by authorities of the Ghandi Empire to match or replace the waived tariff fee and instead shall be
11. The Russian Federation shall be given the right to construct in its portion of the base special facilities not accessible to Gandhian citizens and shall be covered exclusively by the Russian Federation Government.
    1. The construction of the facilities and amenities shall be done in consultation with the Authorities of the dependent territories, regional officials, the Ghandian Commanding Officer of the Base, and the Gandhian Ministry of National Defense.
    2. The importation of materials for the facilities and amenities will be tax-exempt and not subject to any labor requirements of the Ghandian Government.
12. Russian Federation and foreign vessels and aircraft operated by, for, or under the control of the Russian Federation for official purposes shall be accorded access to any port or airport of the Ghandi Empire free from toll or landing charges. When cargo or passengers not accorded the exemptions of this Agreement are carried on such vessels and aircraft, notification shall be given to the appropriate authorities of the Ghandi Empire, and the entry into and departure from the Ghandi Empire of such cargo and passengers shall be according to the laws and regulations of the Ghandi Empire.
13. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall not be subject to taxes or similar charges on property held, used, or transferred by such forces in the Ghandi Empire.
14. 2. Members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, and their dependents shall not be liable to pay any Gandhian taxes to the Government of the Ghandi Empire or to any other taxing agency in the Ghandi Empire on income received as a result of their service with or employment by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, including the organizations provided for in Article XIII. Persons in the Ghandi Empire solely by reason of being members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, or their dependents shall not be liable to pay any Gandhian taxes to the Government of the Ghandi Empire or to any taxing agency in the Ghandi Empire on income derived from sources outside of the Ghandi Empire, nor shall periods during which such persons are in the Ghandi Empire be considered as periods of residence or domicile in the Ghandi Empire for the purpose of Gandhian taxation. The provisions of this Article do not exempt such persons from payment of Gandhian taxes on income derived from Gandhian sources, other than those sources referred to in the first sentence of this paragraph, nor do they exempt Russian Federation citizens who claim residence in the Ghandi Empire for Russian Federation income tax purposes from payment of Gandhian taxes on income.
15. Members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, and their dependents shall be exempt from taxation in the Ghandi Empire on the holding, use, transfer inter se, or transfer by death of movable property, tangible or intangible, the presence of which in the Ghandi Empire is due solely to the temporary presence of these persons in the Ghandi Empire, provided that such exemption shall not apply to property held for the purpose of investment or the conduct of business in the Ghandi Empire or to any intangible property registered in the Ghandi Empire.

Article VI​

Entry and Exit

1. The Russian Federation may bring into the Ghandi Empire who are members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation subject to the provisions of this Article. The Ghandi Empire will be notified at regular intervals of the numbers and categories of persons entering and departing.
   1. The members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation entering the Ghandi Empire will be issued M1 visas relevant to their visa status and ability to move within the Ghandi Empire
   2. Members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall be exempt from fees, processing, and other aspects of passport and visa laws and regulations of the Ghandi Empire contingent on relevant actions taken by the Russian Federation Government and Combined Forces Command.
2. Upon entry into or departure from the Ghandi Empire members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall be in possession of the following documents which must be presented upon the direct request of the appropriate qualified authority of the Ghandi Empire:
   1. personal identity card showing name, date of birth, rank, service number, and photograph; and
   2. individual travel authorization certifying the status of the individual as a member of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
3. Visiting dependents of members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will be subject to special travel privileges in place between the Parties and will be eligible for M1(2) visas allowing them entry into India for the sole purposes of dependent visits.

Article VII​

Entry into Force and Duration of Agreement

1. This agreement shall enter into force immediately upon the signature of the respective authority of the Parties in accordance with its legal procedures.
2. This agreement shall remain in force to the extent that the Parties agree to continue joint exercise, combat terrorism, and assist each other.
3. Wherein there shall be any dispute, the terms of this agreement shall be settled by abitration by both partied.

Done in duplicate in both Russian and Arabic. Both texts shall have equal authenticity. Done in Moscow this January day of 21, 2006.


Basedcnt

 

[Basedcnt]

"Thank you. The Indian Intelligence Organisation " - he'd nod his eyes towards the direction of the External Affairs Department advisor - "has told me much the same."

Fernades would look through the file. "I'd suggest adding the direct names of the facilities and bases in the Islands to the agreement, as to avoid any confusion. My IAF advisors can do that now, if you wish. Furthermore, I have a few minor issues with the document. Article II 1.1 details that air traffic control and air defence should be provided by the Russian Federation; we would request that that fall upon the Indian Armed Forces, as the exact base is not specified. Unless, it is referring to a potential airbase constructed for joint use?"

He would wait for the Russian response before continuing, "There is a few strange word choices. Reading through it, it seems 'Gandhian' has been substituted for 'Indian'. 'Indian' would be the correct term."

Jay

 

[Jay]

Akhmetov nodded. "Yes. On the first point we'd like the status of forces to cover the entire Island as Russian forces may use different facilities on the Island. Of course, all interactions are premised on them being with India's consent. Hence why we ued more vague language along with the fact we will build new facilities." He said with a pause for before continuing. "I believe we can change the language with II.1.1. Our intended reason was that Russia would provide those services for the new bases however we can rename it to India being primarily responsible and Russia providing optional support as requested by India?" Akhemtov asked looking at the Indians.

"Lastly, I apologize for the incorrect naming conventions. We will correct it to Indian."

Basedcnt

 

[Basedcnt]

"I think a fair compromise would be Indian responsibility of air defence and ATC of existing bases, and Russian responsibility of the air defence and local ATC of new bases."

"Thank you. It is not a big issue, but it does matter nonetheless." He'd take a small breath for asking a last question. "And one last question; how many Russian personnel do you wish to deploy at a time? I suggest that a cap is put in place. This is still Indian territory, and if there are too many of your forces deployed, it will have an adverse effect on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. And, if the Thais were to find out about this, they would militarise the Andaman Sea in return."

Jay

 

[Jay]

"I believe we could say co-responsible," Akhmetov said. "In the end, the islands are of course Indian territories, and the main responsibility should and will always be with India. However, Russia will simply support that. We plan to deploy an S-400 battery system along with three Pantsirs, one Tor, and two Tunguska air defense systems to protect the intelligence station, airfield, and naval base."

As for personnel, we anticipate no more than 1,000 Russian servicemembers at a given time." Akhmetov sai,d looking at a defense aide who nodded. "That does not mean a thousand servicemembers will be on the islands at a given time. We expect a permanent detachment of air force security forces, intelligence officers, and maintenance crew along with semi-permanent sea and airmen operating aircraft and vessels that will be in the Indian Ocean. Would this be acceptable to your government?"

Basedcnt

 

[Basedcnt]

"I'm glad to hear. The Indian Armed Forces already deploys a number of similar systems to the islands."

"Yes, that sounds very good. I would suggest putting a maximum in the agreement of 2,500 personnel of all types, so that any number of civilian intelligence personnel will not be impacted."

Jay

 

[Jay]

"That sounds perfect. I believe I can say that on these terms, the Russian Government is happy and eager to conclude this treaty with all of the items we've all discussed. Should I have a final treaty prepared?"

Basedcnt

 

[Basedcnt]

"Yes, thank you." Fernandes would sit back in his seat and smile slightly, then he would drink half of the water in front of him.

"I would wish to have further discussions to be had around the procurement of other aircraft, not just the bombers."

Jay

 

[Jay]

"Please go ahead your excellency," Akhmetov said, taking a sip from the tea in front of him.

Basedcnt

 

[Basedcnt]

"I'll let the Air and Space Force officer speak," Fernades would say, gesturing towards the military man.

"Sir, in addition to the bombers I have stated, the GIASF wishes to procure three squadron equivalent of MiG-31BM in the interception and counter-AEW&C role, and we also wish to inquire about any Russian electronic attack aircraft that might be available for purchase and use by the GIASF," the ASF Captain would state plainly.

Jay

 

[Jay]

"Well as for the MiG-31, at this time the Russian Armed Forces has reserved access to the aircraft. We would be willing to allow the sale of the MiG-25, however I understand your government is already procuring these under our current licensing agreement.

As for electronic attack aircraft, we have the Ilyushin Il-20 electronic intelligence plane to offer. If that is aligned with your interests?"

Basedcnt

 

[Basedcnt]

The ASF Officer would nod and allow the Department Head to talk. "That is understandable, Minister. We are currently procuring the reconnaissance versions of the MiG-25, and due to the datedness of the platform we see no use in asking for the procurement of the MiG-25's interceptor or fighter versions." He would look back at the ASF Officer and guesture to him to continue.

"In light of that, sir, we would like to procure some additional, more advanced versions of the MiG-25 recon aircraft currently in service. These are the MiG-25RBF - a modern version of the MiG-25RBK, which is in Indian service -, the MiG-25RBSh radar reconnaissance aircraft, and the MiG-25BM air defence suppression aircraft."

Department Head Fernandes would say, "Yes, the Il-20 would be very good, thank you."

Jay

 

[Jay]

"We would be happy to grant a limited license to produce a number of the MiG-25 aircrafts, how many of each aircraft are you looking for?" Akhmetov asked. "Additionally, the Russian Air Force could station a squadron in India to form a joint-squadron with Russian pilots operating MiG-31 aircraft to support India." Akhmetov offered.

"How many Il-20 aircraft are you looking to produce? My government would be able to procure an advanced variant with the integration of Poland into the deal if that is amenable to your government."

Basedcnt

 

[Basedcnt]

"Sir, 12 by MiG-25RBF and MiG-25RBSh each, and 46 MiG-25BM," the Captain would respond.

Fernades would respond to the Il-20 query, "We were looking at 18 electronic attack aircraft, Minister."

Jay

 

[Jay]

"For the MiG-25s, I believe I can convince my Government to accept the limited license for the 70 aircraft for shall we say, $250 million?" Akhmetov said while looking at an aide who had scribbled some numbers onto a document. "For the Il-20s, we could do a base price of $569,403,360 with a VAT and service charge of $142,350,840 for a total of $711,754,200."

Basedcnt

 

[Basedcnt]

The Department Head would reply, "Yes, sounds good. Thank you. I'll have that transferred right away."

"Would you mind if half is paid before delivery, and the other half after? Just because of the extra risk posed with an extra nation involved."

Jay

 

[Jay]

"That will not be an issue. Half now and half upon delivery to Russia of the Il-20 would be appropriate, given your concerns."

Basedcnt

 

[Basedcnt]

"Very good. I'll have that done promptly." He would motion over the External Affairs Department 'aide' and would ask him to make the necessary communications to transfer the money to Russia.

Jay

 

[Jay]

"As you can see, this is modified language of our status of forces agreement. Please note the changes to Article II which now reads the following." Akhmetov said handing the document to the Indians while also providing a brief note about the main change.

"Under this language, Russia will provide support for the new Facilities, while any existing facilities will be at India's request. Please let me know your thoughts."

[*]The Russian Federation shall provide for auxiliary air traffic control and defense in and around the Facilities while primary control and defense rests with the Ghandi Empire. Security in the Facilities built under this Agreement shall be the joint responsibility of the Ghandi Empire and the Russian Federation, with the primacy of the Russian commandant’s authority wherein there is concern for threat or harm against personnel and assets of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation stationed at the Facilities while security and services under existing Indian facilities will be the responsibility of the Ghandi Empire except where extreme circumstances require otherwise.

FACILITIES AND AREAS AND THE STATUS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN THE GHANDIAN EMPIRE​

Whereas the Russian Federation has disposed its armed forces in and about the territory of the Ghandi Empire upon the invitation for the purposes of the Situation in Russia; the Russian Federation and the Ghandi Empire (hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”), in order to strengthen the close bonds of mutual interest between their two countries, have entered into this Agreement regarding facilities and areas and the status of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the Ghandi Empire in terms as set forth below:

In this Agreement the expression:

1. “members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation" means the personnel on active duty belonging to the land, sea, or air armed services of the Russian Federation when in the territory of the Ghandi Empire except for personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation attached to the Russian Embassy
2. "civilian component" means the civilian persons of Russian nationality who are in the employ of, serving with, or accompanying the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the Ghandi Empire, but excludes persons who are ordinarily resident in the Ghandi Empire or dual-nationals,
   1. Dual nationals shall mean persons having the nationality of both the Russian Federation and the Ghandi Empire,
   2. person(s) who are brought into the Ghandi Empire by the Russian Federation shall be considered Russian nationals for the purposes of this agreement;
   3. "dependents" means
      1. spouse and children under 21;
      2. parents, children over 21, or other relatives dependent for over half their support upon a member of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or civilian component.

Article I​

Grant and Return

1. The Russian Federation is granted the use of facilities and areas in the Ghandi Empire. “Facilities and areas” include existing furnishings, equipment, and fixtures, wherever located, used in the operation and such facilities and areas.
   1. The facilities provided for at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Kochi Naval Bases shall be open and when available shall be open to the use of the Russian Federation service members for replenishment and supporting their military operations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
   2. The facilities provided for at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Kochi Naval Bases shall be open and when available shall be open to the use of the Russian Federation servicemembers for operations in support of India and as agreed upon by the parties in negotiations that facilitate this agreement.
2. The facilities and areas used by the Russian Federation shall be returned to the Ghandi Empire under such conditions as received whenever they are no longer needed for the purposes of this Agreement, and the Russian Federation agrees to keep the needs for facilities under continual observation with a view toward such return.
3. The Russian Federation shall assist with the construction costs of new facilities as deemed necessary by both parties.

Article II​

Security Measures

1. Within the facilities and areas, the Russian Federation may take all the measures necessary for their establishment, operation, safeguarding, and control. In order to provide access for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to the facilities and areas for their support, safeguarding, and control, the Ghandi Empire shall take necessary measures, within the scope of applicable laws and regulations, with respect to land, territorial waters and airspace adjacent to, or in the vicinities of the facilities and areas. The Russian Federation may also take necessary measures for such purposes upon consultation between the Parties.
   1. The Russian Federation shall provide for auxiliary air traffic control and defense in and around the Facilities while primary control and defense rests with the Ghandi Empire. Security in the Facilities built under this Agreement shall be the joint responsibility of the Ghandi Empire and the Russian Federation, with the primacy of the Russian commandant’s authority wherein there is concern for threat or harm against personnel and assets of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation stationed at the Facilities while security and services under existing Indian facilities will be the responsibility of the Ghandi Empire except where extreme circumstances require otherwise. .
   2. The Russian Federation, upon request, shall provide for additional defense equipment, upon the request in and around the territorial borders of the Ghandi Empire.
2. The Parties will cooperate in taking such steps as may from time to time be necessary to ensure the security of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the members of, civilian components, and the persons who are present in the Ghandi Empire pursuant to all existing agreements and the property thereof.
3. The Government of the Ghandi Empire agrees to seek such legislation and to take such action as deemed to be necessary to ensure adequate security and protection within its territory of installations, equipment, property, records, and official information of the Russian Federation to ensure the punishment of offenders under the applicable laws of the Ghandi Empire.

Article III​

Respect for Local Law and Criminal Jurisdiction

1. It is the duty of members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to respect the law of the Ghandi Empire and to abstain from any activity inconsistent with the spirit of this Agreement and from any political activity in the Ghandi Empire.
   1. The military authorities of the Russian Federation shall have the right to exercise within the Ghandi Empire all criminal and disciplinary jurisdiction conferred on them by the law of the Russian Federation over members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or civilian components thereof;
   2. The authorities of the Ghandi Empire shall have jurisdiction over the members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or civilian components thereof with respect to offenses committed within the territory of the Ghandi Empire wherein the offense committed was not done within the official scope of their duties as determined by the Russian Government
   3. The military authorities of the Russian Federation shall have the right to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over members of the armed forces of civilian components with respect to offenses, including offenses related to its security, punishable by the law of the Russian Federation, but not by the law of the Ghandi Empire.
2. In cases where the right to exercise jurisdiction is concurrent, the following rules shall apply:
   1. The military authorities of the Russian Federation shall have the primary right to exercise jurisdiction over members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and civilian components when offenses solely against the property or security of the Russian Federation or offenses solely against the person or property of another member of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or act or omission done in the performance of official duties.
   2. If the respective Party chooses not to exercise their primary jurisdiction, it shall not preclude the other from action but shall give sympathetic consideration to a request from the authorities of the other for a waiver of its rights in cases of particular importance.

Article IV​

Utilities and Services

1. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall have the use of all utilities and services which are owned, controlled or regulated by the Government of the Ghandi Empire or local administrative subdivisions thereof in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Kochi Naval Bases. The term "utilities and services" shall include, but not be limited to, transportation and communications facilities and systems, electricity, -gas, water, steam, heat, light, power, and sewage disposal. The use of utilities and services as provided herein shall not prejudice the right of the Russian Federation to operate military transportation, communication power and such other utilities and services deemed necessary for the operations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. This right shall not be exercised in a manner inconsistent with the operation by the Government of the Ghandi Empire of its utilities and services.
2. The use of such utilities and services by the Russian Federation shall be in accordance with priorities, conditions, and rates or tariffs no less favorable than those accorded any other user.

Article V​

Special Privileges

1. Save as provided in this Agreement, members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, and their dependents shall be subject to the laws and regulations administered by the customs authorities of the Ghandi Empire when conducting business outside of their assigned positions but shall be given special privileges for all acts and activities done within their official capacity.
2. All materials, supplies, and equipment imported by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (including their authorized procurement agencies, for the official use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or for the use of the members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, and their dependents, and materials, supplies and equipment which are to be used exclusively by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or are ultimately to be incorporated into articles or facilities used by such forces, shall be permitted entry into the Ghandi Empire; such entry shall be free from customs duties and other such charges.
   1. Appropriate certification shall be made that such materials, supplies, and equipment are being imported by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (including their authorized procurement agencies), or, in the case of materials, supplies, and equipment to be used exclusively by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or ultimately to be incorporated into articles or facilities used by such forces, that delivery thereof is to be taken by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the purposes specified above.
   2. The exemptions provided in this paragraph shall extend to materials, supplies, and equipment imported by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for the use of other armed forces in the Ghandi Empire under the Unified Command which receive logistical support from the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
3. Property consigned to and for the personal use of members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, and their dependents, shall be subject to customs duties and other such charges, except that no duties or charges shall be paid with respect to:
   1. furniture, household goods, and personal effects for their private use imported by the members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or civilian component when they first arrive to serve in the Ghandi Empire or by their dependents when they first arrive for reunion with members of such forces or civilian component:
   2. vehicles and parts imported by members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation or civilian component for the private use of themselves or their dependent;
   3. reasonable quantities of personal effects and household goods of a type that would ordinarily be purchased in the Russian Federation for the private use of members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, civilian components, and their dependents, which are mailed to the Ghandi Empire through Russian Federation military post offices.
4. The exemptions granted in paragraphs 2 and 3 shall apply only to cases of importation of goods and shall not be interpreted as refunding customs duties and domestic excises collected by the customs authorities at the time of entry in cases of purchase of goods on which such duties and excises have already been collected.
5. Customs examination shall not be made in the following cases:
   1. members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation under orders, other than leave orders, entering or leaving the Ghandi Empire:
   2. official documents under official seal and First Class letter mail in the Russian Federation military postal channels under the official postal seal:
   3. military cargo consigned to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
6. Except as such disposal may be authorized by the authorities of the Russian Federation in accordance with mutually agreed conditions, goods imported into the Ghandi Empire free of duty shall not be disposed of in the Ghandi Empire to persons not entitled to import such goods free of duty.
7. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, in cooperation with the authorities of the Ghandi Empire, shall take such steps as are necessary to prevent the abuse of privileges granted to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, members of such forces, the civilian component, and their dependents in accordance with this Article.
8. In order to prevent offenses against laws and regulations administered by the customs authorities of the Government of the Ghandi Empire, the authorities of the Ghandi Empire and the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall assist each other in the conduct of inquiries and the collection of evidence.
   1. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall render all assistance within their power to ensure that articles liable to seizure by, or on behalf of, the customs authorities of the Government of the Ghandi Empire are handed over to those authorities.
9. The authorities of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall provide all practicable assistance to the customs officials dispatched to military-controlled piers and airports for the purpose of customs inspection.
10. The Russian Federation when providing material items for the comfort of its personnel from amenities not to be resold inside the Ghandi Empire shall be given tariff exemptions and pay a flat fee for importation of said amenities.
    1. The flat fee may not be constructed by authorities of the Ghandi Empire to match or replace the waived tariff fee and instead shall be
11. The Russian Federation shall be given the right to construct in its portion of the base special facilities not accessible to Indian citizens and shall be covered exclusively by the Russian Federation Government.
    1. The construction of the facilities and amenities shall be done in consultation with the Authorities of the dependent territories, regional officials, the Ghandian Commanding Officer of the Base, and the Indian Ministry of National Defense.
    2. The importation of materials for the facilities and amenities will be tax-exempt and not subject to any labor requirements of the Ghandian Government.
12. Russian Federation and foreign vessels and aircraft operated by, for, or under the control of the Russian Federation for official purposes shall be accorded access to any port or airport of the Ghandi Empire free from toll or landing charges. When cargo or passengers not accorded the exemptions of this Agreement are carried on such vessels and aircraft, notification shall be given to the appropriate authorities of the Ghandi Empire, and the entry into and departure from the Ghandi Empire of such cargo and passengers shall be according to the laws and regulations of the Ghandi Empire.
13. The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall not be subject to taxes or similar charges on property held, used, or transferred by such forces in the Ghandi Empire.
14. 2. Members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, and their dependents shall not be liable to pay any Indian taxes to the Government of the Ghandi Empire or to any other taxing agency in the Ghandi Empire on income received as a result of their service with or employment by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, including the organizations provided for in Article XIII. Persons in the Ghandi Empire solely by reason of being members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, or their dependents shall not be liable to pay any Indian taxes to the Government of the Ghandi Empire or to any taxing agency in the Ghandi Empire on income derived from sources outside of the Ghandi Empire, nor shall periods during which such persons are in the Ghandi Empire be considered as periods of residence or domicile in the Ghandi Empire for the purpose of Indian taxation. The provisions of this Article do not exempt such persons from payment of Indian taxes on income derived from Indian sources, other than those sources referred to in the first sentence of this paragraph, nor do they exempt Russian Federation citizens who claim residence in the Ghandi Empire for Russian Federation income tax purposes from payment of Indian taxes on income.
15. Members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the civilian component, and their dependents shall be exempt from taxation in the Ghandi Empire on the holding, use, transfer inter se, or transfer by death of movable property, tangible or intangible, the presence of which in the Ghandi Empire is due solely to the temporary presence of these persons in the Ghandi Empire, provided that such exemption shall not apply to property held for the purpose of investment or the conduct of business in the Ghandi Empire or to any intangible property registered in the Ghandi Empire.

Article VI​

Entry and Exit

1. The Russian Federation may bring into the Ghandi Empire who are members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation subject to the provisions of this Article. The Ghandi Empire will be notified at regular intervals of the numbers and categories of persons entering and departing.
   1. The members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation entering the Ghandi Empire will be issued M1 visas relevant to their visa status and ability to move within the Ghandi Empire
   2. Members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall be exempt from fees, processing, and other aspects of passport and visa laws and regulations of the Ghandi Empire contingent on relevant actions taken by the Russian Federation Government and Combined Forces Command.
2. Upon entry into or departure from the Ghandi Empire, members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation shall be in possession of the following document,s which must be presented upon the direct request of the appropriate qualified authority of the Ghandi Empire:
   1. personal identity card showing name, date of birth, rank, service number, and photograph; and
   2. individual travel authorization certifying the status of the individual as a member of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
3. Visiting dependents of members of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will be subject to special travel privileges in place between the Parties and will be eligible for M1(2) visas allowing them entry into India for the sole purposes of dependent visits.

Article VII​

Entry into Force and Duration of Agreement

1. This agreement shall enter into force immediately upon the signature of the respective authority of the Parties in accordance with its legal procedures.
2. This agreement shall remain in force to the extent that the Parties agree to continue joint exercise, combat terrorism, and assist each other.
3. Wherein there shall be any dispute, the terms of this agreement shall be settled by arbitration by both parties.

Done in duplicate in both Russian and Sanskriti. Both texts shall have equal authenticity. Done in Moscow on March 21, 2006.

Basedcnt