Armenia and India Ink New Defense Cooperation Agreements in Yerevan

Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh arrived in Yerevan for a 2-day official visit, highlighting the strengthening geopolitical ties between the two nations. He was welcomed by Nilakshi Saha Sinha, India's Ambassador to Armenia, alongside senior officials from the Armenian Ministry of Defense.

High-Level Defense Negotiations

On August 17, Secretary Singh held talks with Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan and the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan. The discussions focused on deepening defense and military-technical cooperation. During the meeting, Asryan and Singh exchanged a formal document establishing a new framework for collaboration between the armed forces of both countries.

As part of his diplomatic agenda, the Indian Defence Secretary also met with Armenia's Minister of High-Tech Industry, Davit Tadevosyan. The two officials signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on research, innovation, and joint production within the defense industry sector.

"Both sides explored new avenues, reaffirming their commitment to deepen the Indo-Armenian defense partnership," the Indian Ministry of Defence noted in a statement.

Expanding Military-Technical Ties

The military relationship between Yerevan and New Delhi continues to build upon previous high-level engagements. Earlier this year, on April 28, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan visited New Delhi to meet with Rajesh Kumar Singh, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan to discuss the joint development of military equipment.

In recent years, Armenia has increasingly turned to India to modernize its armed forces, acquiring surface-to-air missile systems, multiple rocket launchers, howitzers, and anti-drone equipment.