Armenian Defence Minister Strengthens Military Ties with India During DEFEXPO Visit

Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan's recent visit to the DEFEXPO exhibition in Gandhinagar, India, marked a significant step in deepening defence cooperation between Armenia and India. The visit, which took place on December 3, 2024, showcased Armenia's intent to bolster its military capabilities through collaboration with Indian defence industries.

Papikyan explored various state-of-the-art defence systems, including Akash air defence systems and advanced combat drones, reflecting Armenia's strategic interest in enhancing its defensive arsenal. This focus is driven by the country's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which exposed critical vulnerabilities in its military equipment.

The Armenian Defence Minister met with his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, to discuss expanding military-technical cooperation. Although no formal agreements were signed during the visit, discussions reportedly included Armenia's potential procurement of key defence platforms. Notably, India's expertise in drone warfare, air defence, and indigenous technology development has positioned it as a valuable partner for Armenia in its military modernization efforts.

India's defence exports have surged in recent years, with countries such as Armenia recognizing the cost-effectiveness and reliability of Indian systems. Last year, Armenia placed orders worth $250 million for Indian-made Pinaka rocket systems, artillery, and ammunition. The DEFEXPO visit served to reinforce these ties, offering Armenian officials a closer look at India's latest technological advancements in defence.

The exhibition, one of India's largest defence events, featured cutting-edge solutions from Indian firms like Bharat Electronics Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and private players such as Tata Advanced Systems. Armenia's interest in these offerings reflects its broader geopolitical strategy of diversifying its defence partnerships beyond traditional suppliers like Russia.

This visit also highlights India’s growing role as a global defence exporter and strategic partner to nations seeking robust military capabilities. For Armenia, strengthening ties with India represents a strategic move to secure reliable defence supplies while addressing its regional security challenges.

By engaging with Indian defence companies and officials at DEFEXPO, Armenia is signaling a clear commitment to diversifying its defence partnerships and reinforcing its military capabilities in the face of persistent regional tensions【9†source】【10†source】.