New Delhi: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh is on a two-day visit to Armenia, India’s biggest export destination for military equipment, as New Delhi looks to explore new areas of defence cooperation with the South Caucasus country.
Singh called on Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan Monday, with the two sides exploring new avenues to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirm their shared commitment to deepening and elevating the India-Armenia defence partnership, the defence ministry said in a statement.
It outlined that the focus of Singh’s visit is on strengthening bilateral defence industrial cooperation and expanding collaboration in defence research and development.
Armenia has emerged as India’s most significant overseas market for defence equipment in terms of the range of systems it has acquired. While the total value of defence deals signed between the two countries is estimated at around USD 3 billion, the scope of the partnership is wider, covering a range of weapons systems, ammunition and technologies.
Since 2020, Armenia has procured locating radars, multi-barrel rocket launchers, air defence systems, sniper rifles, artillery systems, counter-drone technologies, and various types of ammunition from India.
The growing defence relationship is significant for both countries. For Armenia, India offers an alternative to its traditional dependence on Russian military equipment. As for India, this relationship provides an important export destination for indigenous systems, giving a boost to defence production.
Armenia’s experience with Indian systems could also potentially open the door for further exports to other countries as New Delhi seeks to establish itself as a reliable supplier of military equipment to friendly foreign nations.
The defence relationship between the two countries also has a wider geopolitical dimension as it comes at a time when Pakistan’s defence relationship with Azerbaijan, Yerevan’s main rival, and Turkey has deepened.
In 2024, ThePrint reported that Armenia has reached out to India for possible procurement of Indian missiles, including the indigenous beyond visual range Astra air-to-air missile and possible upgrade of their Sukhoi 30s.
Singh also held talks with Armenian Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Edvard Asryan in Yerevan. According to local media reports, Papikyan has praised the progress made in defence cooperation between Armenia and India.
(Edited by: Nivedita Patil)