India's Strategic Move: First-Ever Defence Consultations with Armenia in the Caucasus

India and Armenia hold inaugural defence consultations to bolster bilateral ties amidst regional dynamics, following India's emergence as a major supplier of defence equipment to Armenia, aiming to counterbalance regional influences and promote stability in the Caucasus.

In a significant move, India recently held its first-ever defence consultations with Armenia, marking a milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations. The consultations, which took place in Yerevan on May 14, were aimed at discussing the current state of cooperation and exploring future prospects in the defence sector.

Led by Joint Secretary Vishwesh Negi from India's Ministry of Defence and Levon Ayvazyan, Head of Armenia's Department of Defence Policy and International Cooperation, the discussions covered various aspects, including military-technical cooperation, combat training, and regional security concerns.

The timing of these consultations holds particular significance, coming just a month after Russian forces began withdrawing from Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region. This withdrawal has reshaped the geopolitical landscape in the region and prompted India to engage more actively with Armenia.

India's interest in bolstering defence ties with Armenia stems from several factors. Firstly, India is one of the major suppliers of defence equipment to Armenia, alongside France. Armenia has allocated a substantial budget of $1.5 million for defence procurement, indicating the importance it places on strengthening its military capabilities.

Moreover, Armenia's strained relations with Russia following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have created an opportunity for India to deepen its engagement with the country. Despite being a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), Armenia felt let down by Russia's response during the conflict with Azerbaijan. This has led Armenia to seek alternative partners for defence cooperation, with India emerging as a key ally.

India's strategic interests in the region also play a crucial role in driving closer ties with Armenia. India is concerned about Turkey's expansionist ambitions, particularly its efforts to create a pan-Turkic empire covering the Caucasus and parts of Eurasia. By supporting Armenia, India aims to counterbalance the influence of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan in the region.

Furthermore, India's involvement in projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) underscores the importance of maintaining stable relations with Armenia. The INSTC, a multi-modal network spanning several countries, is vital for enhancing connectivity and trade between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia. India sees Armenia as a potential partner to facilitate alternative routes for the INSTC, reducing dependence on Azerbaijan.

In recent years, defence cooperation between India and Armenia has witnessed significant progress. India has supplied advanced military equipment to Armenia, including the Akash surface-to-air missile system and the Swathi radar system. These deals highlight India's commitment to enhancing Armenia's defence capabilities and fostering closer strategic ties.

Despite warnings from Azerbaijan against supplying defence hardware to Armenia, India has remained steadfast in its engagement with the country. By strengthening defence cooperation with Armenia, India aims to promote peace and stability in the Caucasus region while safeguarding its own strategic interests.

In conclusion, the defence consultations between India and Armenia signify a positive step towards deepening bilateral relations and addressing regional security challenges. As both countries continue to collaborate in the defence sector, they are poised to emerge as key partners in promoting peace and stability in the Eurasian region.