YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS.  On February 21 the Applied Policy Research Institute of Armenia (APRI Armenia), in cooperation with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), co-hosted the India-Armenia Dialogue as one of the opening sessions of the 2024 Raisina Dialogue, India's premier conference on geopolitics and strategic studies. The Raisina Dialogue is held annually in New Delhi as a joint initiative of ORF and the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

According to the readout issued by the APRI Armenia, the dialogue was designed with three goals in mind: 1) fostering further civil society collaboration with think tanks and others across India; 2) facilitating private sector collaboration between Armenian and Indian businesses; and 3) crafting a concrete and comprehensive vision for the future of Armenia-India strategic partnership.

The India-Armenia dialogue was opened by APRI Armenia President Lara Setrakian and Mr. Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman of ORF, followed by keynote remarks delivered by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan.

In her introduction, Ms. Setrakian spoke about the ambitious goal of transforming India-Armenia ties, based on centuries-old civilizational and cultural links, into a modern strategic partnership with cooperation in the fields of economy, security, and technology.

Within the framework of a strategic partnership, a concrete vision was developed encompassing multiple sectors of cooperation, including enhanced economic ties. Armenia could serve as a fruitful platform for India to the Eurasian Economic Union, while also serving as a key link in the International North South Transport Corridor. Sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, agritech and advanced technologies could be key fields of shared investment and economic growth. 

Ms. Setrakian emphasized that the Armenia-India relationship is rooted in people-to-people ties, with the potential for initiatives that can help both countries solve their current challenges while preparing for the needs of the future. It was also noted that the two countries should set their diasporas in motion, working together on shared goals.

Following Ms. Setrakian, Mr. Joshi welcomed the developing relationship between Armenia and India and noted that the civilizational, cultural, and current ties between the two countries lay the foundation for a much deeper partnership. He also touched upon the opportunity for multilateral cooperation with India and other countries, including France. Joshi emphasized that the next step in the development of relations should be the formation of joint startups between Armenia and India in the field of data governance and technology.

 Mr. Mkrtchyan further spelled out a concrete agenda of partnership between the two countries, including collaboration in social protection, labor regulation, cultural exchange, and the creation of an artificial intelligence ecosystem in which countries can share solutions to shared social problems.

 After all opening remarks, the dialogue turned to two panels. In the first panel, entitled “India-Armenia Geostrategic Cooperation: From Security to Defense,” panelists spoke about the geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus and the implications of the India-Armenia relationship in defense and diplomacy, in the context of ongoing threats to stability in the region. It was noted that the strategic interests of Armenia and India coincide in establishing a peaceful balance of power in the region.

 Armenia and India have proven to be reliable and steady friends in a complex multipolar world. Armenia has been a steadfast supporter of India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir, as well as its broader foreign policy vision of peace and prosperity for all countries. For Armenia, India is a reliable long-term partner and a platform for engaging with the Global South. For India, Armenia is a key partner in its Extended Neighborhood, sitting at the vital crossroads of Europe and Asia.

 The India-Armenia Dialogue also featured a panel entitled “Platforming a New Geoeconomics: Technology, Energy, Connectivity.” Speakers from the private sector and academia discussed collaboration opportunities in technology and artificial intelligence, renewable energy, trade, infrastructure, and digital transformation. Panelists noted that Armenia can become a high–tech development hub for India, a partner in software production and other endeavors that help India become more competitive in the global marketplace.

This was APRI Armenia’s second year co-hosting the India-Armenia Dialogue with ORF. As initially reported by Armenpress, ORF will work with the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and APRI Armenia to host the Yerevan edition of the Raisina Dialogue later this year.