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The relationship between Armenia and India is marked by centuries of friendship and has reached a new strategic level, particularly in recent years. Regional developments, connectivity projects, and deep historical ties serve as the foundation for the continued expansion of cooperation between the two countries.
Armenia-India Historical Ties
India views Armenia not only as a bilateral partner and part of a broader West Asia-Caucasus-Europe connectivity vision, but also in terms of its deep historical ties.
Randhir Jaiswal, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, in an interview with Armenpress, CivilNet, and NEWS.am journalists during a visit to New Delhi, highlighted the “centuries and millennium of engagement and interaction” between Armenia and India.
“So, when it comes to Armenia, we have a historical sense of a country and of a people. Because what binds us together is centuries and millennium of engagement and interaction that we've had. I would like to recount one story when one of your leaders [First President Levon Ter-Petrosyan], when he came here, after [Armenia] gained independence, when he came down the stairs of the aircraft, he kissed the earth. He said, 'this land has been so special to us'. Now, we reciprocate the same sentiment,” the spokesperson said.
Randhir Jaiswal said that the friendship between Armenia and India is “very special.”
“So, I will not say that we look at it from bilateral perspective or we look at it from the larger regional perspective. We look at it from a very cultural, strong people to people perspective. A historical depth to this relationship. And that is what makes it so special,” Mr. Jaiswal said.
Regional Alliances and India’s Position
At the same time, against the backdrop of the deepening economic and military cooperation between Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan, as well as the ongoing changes and developments in the South Caucasus, the relations between Armenia and India are continuously evolving, encompassing various sectors.
“So, as far as we value a partnership with Armenia, we want to strengthen these ties further. And we support Armenia in several ways. We have strong bilateral ties. We have political ties. We have very strong defense relations now. And we want to see your country prospering further,” the Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said.
He declined to directly comment on a question about the emerging regional military alignments involving Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Pakistan, as well as implications for India's regional engagement. Both Türkiye and Azerbaijan have publicly declared support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. The spokesperson stated that India is striving to overcome all existing challenges. “So, you know, we want to strengthen our position, there are countries who want to come together to undermine certain interests, so obviously we'll try to engage with our partner and see how best we can handle those challenges,” he said.
Regarding the political and security developments in the South Caucasus, particularly the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization, Randhir Jaiswal said that India is ‘very closely’ following these developments and that “India stands with Armenia.”
Defense Cooperation
Randhir Jaiswal also spoke about the defense cooperation between Armenia and India.
In recent years, India has significantly developed its defense industry, quickly transforming from a country that imports weapons to a major exporter of arms. Various types of weapons produced in India—ranging from missiles, radars, artillery, and armored vehicles to air defense missiles—are exported to around 100 countries.
According to the Indian Ministry of Defense data, during the 2024-2025 financial year, the country exported weapons worth 2.76 billion USD, which is a 12.04% increase compared to the figures for the 2023-2024 financial year.
“India has so much to offer today to Armenia and to the world when it comes to defense engagement. And what you see, whatever is happening to India and Armenia today is part of that particular strength or convening strength that we have. India today, our defense exports have zoomed significantly across the world. A lot of countries today are interested in what we have to offer. We are making cutting-edge platforms. And we want that we engage with countries so that they can also benefit from what we are doing," he said.
Armenia’s Role in Regional Connectivity
India also places great importance on regional connectivity through Iran's Chabahar Port and the International North–South Transport Corridor.
Chabahar Port, which is part of the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), holds strategic significance for India. It provides a crucial maritime and land route to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, bypassing Pakistan.
At the same time, Armenia plays a significant role in this context, as it is one of the transit countries in the North-South Transport Corridor, which connects India to Europe through the Persian Gulf, Iran, the Black Sea, and Georgia.
“Connectivity projects are very important for us. Whether it is the Chabahar port or whether it is the INSTC corridor, or several other connectivity projects that we today are pushing in several parts of the world. Connectivity brings prosperity and prosperity brings happiness among people. More prosperity, more progress, and that is our message. Through connectivity projects, we want to drive economic growth. We want to enhance export and import linkages. We want movement of goods and services, of technology, and prosperity in general,” Randhir Jaiswal said.
In response to a question about Armenia's role in the North-South International Transport Corridor, Jaiswal stated that every country should be involved, as it will bring prosperity to all. Regarding Azerbaijan's role in this context, the official said, "All countries who can contribute towards it must come forward.”
Cooperation with Armenia in Other Sectors
The spokesperson of the Indian foreign ministry said that India seeks to develop cooperation with Armenia in all sectors, including in the economy, culture, education, tourism, etc. He said the two countries should work to increase trade and tourism.
“For any relationship to be balanced, you have to have each and every segment of it equally strong. So we have good historical ties, we have good cultural ties, we have good people-to-people ties, there should be more trade between the two countries, our defense relations are good, there should be more tourism between the countries, Indian people going to Armenia, Armenian people coming to India, our students going there, your students coming here, youth exchanges, etc., so that we can have a diversified relationship, because once you diversify the relationship, then the solidity, real solidity in the partnership comes,” Jaiswal said.
The Dynamics of Bilateral Engagement as a Guarantee for the Development of Relations.
Referring to the large number of high-ranking Armenian delegations visiting India in 2025, the spokesperson stated that this dynamic, in itself, speaks volumes.
“I would say that each day, India-Armenia relations are becoming stronger. There are so many exchanges of delegations happening, at the political level, at the level of trade, economy, culture, etc. And that is happening because we have a lot of comfort in our ties. You know, we are very comfortable with each other. We have trust in our relationship. And that is what is driving this partnership, this friendship,” Randhir Jaiswal said.