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India and Armenia on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in defence research, development, innovation and joint production, as New Delhi seeks to deepen its defence partnership with the South Caucasus nation.
The agreement is aimed at strengthening collaboration beyond defence procurement and creating opportunities for joint research, technology development and production.
Singh also held talks with Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan on Monday. The two sides explored new avenues to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, with a particular focus on the defence industry and research and development.
The Defence Ministry said the talks reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to “deepening and elevating” the India-Armenia defence partnership.
Singh also met Armenian Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Edvard Asryan.
Besides, he also visited the Military Academy of Armenia and reviewed the IT Lab established with India’s support. He was also briefed on weapon systems supplied by India.
Armenia has emerged as a major overseas market for Indian defence equipment. The two countries have signed defence deals estimated at around $3 billion, covering a wide range of weapons, ammunition and military technologies.
Since 2020, Armenia has procured Indian locating radars, multi-barrel rocket launchers, air defence systems, sniper rifles, artillery systems, counter-drone equipment and ammunition.
The expanding defence relationship is strategically important for both sides. For Armenia, India provides an alternative source of military equipment as Yerevan seeks to reduce its traditional dependence on Russian systems.
For India, Armenia has become an important market for indigenous defence products and a showcase for its growing defence manufacturing capabilities. Operational experience with Indian systems could also help New Delhi build credibility as an exporter to other friendly countries.
The partnership also has a wider geopolitical backdrop. Armenia’s ties with India have grown amid deepening defence cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, Armenia’s principal regional rival, and Turkey.
Armenia has also shown interest in expanding the range of Indian systems it could acquire. Reports in 2024 said Yerevan had explored the possible procurement of Indian missiles, including the indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, as well as upgrades for its Su-30 fighter fleet.
The latest MoU signals a possible shift from a buyer-seller relationship towards deeper defence-industrial cooperation.
Team BharatShakti
