India and Armenia have agreed to further expand their defence partnership during Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s two-day visit to Armenia, with discussions covering military cooperation, training, capacity building, defence technology and research and development.
Singh held meetings with senior Armenian defence officials, including Deputy Defence Minister Karen Brutyan, First Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of General Staff Edward Asryan, and Defence Minister Suren Papikyan.
Focus on Defence Research and Technology
During the visit, Singh met Armenia’s Minister of High-Tech Industry Davit Tradevosyan and discussed proposals related to defence research and development.
The two countries also exchanged terms of reference for establishing joint services staff talks between the Indian and Armenian armed forces. The initiative is aimed at creating a more structured platform for regular military cooperation.
A memorandum of understanding between the two defence ministries was also signed to strengthen cooperation in joint projects, innovation and research.
More Military Cooperation Planned
Singh and Papikyan discussed ways to expand military technical cooperation and explored new areas for strengthening the bilateral defence relationship.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to taking India-Armenia defence ties forward and increasing cooperation in military technology and other strategic areas.
Singh also met Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan in Yerevan to discuss the wider defence partnership and opportunities for deeper cooperation.
Focus on Training and Capacity Building
As part of his visit, Singh visited the Armenian Military Academy named after Vazgen Sargsyan and interacted with its leadership and faculty.
He also visited an IT laboratory at the academy that was established with Indian assistance. Singh highlighted training and capacity building as important parts of India’s growing defence relationship with Armenia.
Armenia Becomes a Major Buyer of Indian Defence Equipment
Armenia has emerged as an important customer for Indian defence exports as it works to modernise and diversify its military procurement.
The country has committed nearly $2 billion towards Indian defence equipment and became the first international buyer of India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system.
Armenia has also procured other Indian-made defence systems, including Akash air defence systems, Swathi weapon-locating radars, artillery systems, howitzers and missiles.
The latest talks underline the growing India-Armenia defence partnership, with both countries looking to expand cooperation in defence exports, military technology, research, innovation, training and capacity building.
