Trade, defense, tourism: Experts review Armenia-India cooperation potential

India's leading think tank, the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), which has closely collaborated with Armenia through the Armenian "Yerevan Dialogue" and the Indian "Raisina Dialogue" international conferences, hosted journalists from more than a dozen countries, including Armenia, in New Delhi. The meeting addressed the latest developments in the South Caucasus, particularly the TRIPP initiative, as well as Armenia-India relations and their future prospects.

As Armenpress correspondent has reported from New Delhi, analyst Rajoli Siddharth Jayaprakash noted that India welcomes the establishment of peace in the South Caucasus and supports the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP) initiative, which stems from the agreements reached between the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States in Washington on August 8.

When asked about the most promising areas for Armenia-India relations, Jayaprakash highlighted trade.

"I think trade is a very promising area. As you know, India is negotiating a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. If tariffs on some goods are eliminated, India-Armenia trade relations could develop significantly," he said.

He also pointed out that tourism offers potential for growth, noting the strong cultural ties between Armenia and India.

ORF analyst Aleksei Zakharov emphasized defense as another promising area for cooperation.
"A lot has happened in the defense sector in recent years. After 2020, you may have noticed that Indian equipment began to be supplied. In my opinion, this is an important part of India's support," he said.

Zakharov added that diplomatic ties between the two countries have strengthened alongside cooperation in other sectors.
"Armenia and India maintain relations at multiple levels, both political and geopolitical. During tensions with Azerbaijan, India, I think, supported Armenia," he noted.

He also mentioned aspirations to improve economic relations but stressed the need for better connectivity and business ties between the two countries.
"Otherwise, at the institutional and structural level, relations are good," Zakharov said.

The analyst also highlighted the lack of direct air connections as a shortcoming. The establishment of direct flights, according to Zakharov, will increase Armenia's attractiveness as a tourist destination.