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The Institute of Oriental Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia hosted the opening ceremony of the 2nd general conference of the “Europe’s Representations of India: Texts, Images and Encounters” (ESIND) international research network, attended by more than 50 researchers and scholars from Europe and various countries around the world.
ESIND is an international research network operating within the framework of the European Union’s European Cooperation in Science and Technology program, bringing together scientists and researchers from different countries to comprehensively study the historical, cultural and scientific interactions between Europe and India.
Gohar Iskandaryan, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, noted that the conference itself testifies to the fact that scientific cooperation can and should go beyond national and regional borders, particularly when studying regions such as the South Caucasus and the Middle East.
“We are convinced that joint scientific work requires not only dialogue between different countries, but also between different disciplines, methodologies and scientific traditions. In this context, the Institute of Oriental Studies can serve as a natural platform for such dialogue, and sometimes also as a connecting bridge. Armenia is located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, and the Christian and Islamic civilizational worlds. At the same time, the history of the Armenian people has developed for centuries in close interaction with the different peoples, states, religious and cultural systems of the region; therefore, the study of the East has never been merely the study of the history of distant regions for us, from ancient times to the present day,” Iskandaryan said.
According to her, the diversity of the activities of the Institute of Oriental Studies enables its staff to approach regional processes not only from the perspective of one discipline or one period, but also to combine historical, source-study, political, social, cultural and geopolitical approaches.
“Armenia is located in a region where historical, political, religious, cultural and geopolitical processes constantly intersect. This enables the Institute of Oriental Studies to offer European research networks localized knowledge and professional expertise concerning the South Caucasus, the Middle East and the Far East. We are convinced that strengthening scientific ties between the European research area and the South Caucasus can create new knowledge, new research agendas and new opportunities. The Institute of Oriental Studies is ready to act in this process not only as a participant, but also as a partner, initiator and scientific platform,” said the director of the Institute of Oriental Studies.
Anahit Karapetyan, Head of the Asia and Pacific Countries Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia, noted that the choice of the venue for the conference was not accidental, as it is directly connected with the ties and contacts between the Armenian and Indian peoples, which date back to prehistoric times.
“These ties were not limited only to trade or the settlement of Armenian merchants in India. They also included cultural relations, traditions and intellectual life, particularly the development of Armenian intellectual thought. As many of you know, it was in India that the first Armenian periodical was published, and the first Armenian constitution was also drafted there. Thus, there are numerous contacts and ties, and at one time there was a very active and flourishing Armenian community in India. Unfortunately, that community is not very large today, but Armenians still have a significant presence in India thanks to the historical and cultural heritage preserved there, and we are grateful to the Government of India for its care for that heritage,” Karapetyan noted.
She added that the Armenian side currently has active relations with Indian partners, and their scope is quite broad, encompassing political dialogue as well as economic, trade, cultural and educational ties, emphasizing that Armenia views its relations with India from a long-term strategic perspective.
Karapetyan recalled that another link connecting Armenians with India is the renowned Armenian painter Sargis Khachatryan, who further developed these ties. He traveled to India several times and effectively lived in those caves. There are numerous murals there, which are extremely important from the perspective of ancient Indian culture and art.
Aditya Kumar Pandey, Second Secretary (Consular) at the Embassy of India in Armenia, in turn noted that historically Armenia has served as a bridge between different civilizations, cultures and intellectual traditions, making it a highly favorable platform for dialogue, as well as for discussing the diverse manifestations of India’s perception, representation and engagement in Europe.
“Relations between India and Europe have a very long and interesting history. Interactions between our societies have fostered interest, leading to scientific exchanges and different interpretations of India and Indian civilization. The Embassy of India in Armenia is pleased that the organization of this event will contribute to raising awareness of India’s rich civilization, heritage and contemporary achievements, while also encouraging effective academic and cultural exchanges between India and Europe,” he said.