Armenia, India Discuss Bilateral Defense Cooperation, Regional Security

YEREVAN — At the administrative complex of the Ministry of Defense, the First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Eduard Asryan, held a one-on-one meeting with the Chief of the Defense Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, General Anil Chauhan. The talks were followed by an expanded meeting with the two delegations.

The sides discussed the current state of defense cooperation between Armenia and India, and reviewed the outcomes of activities implemented under the bilateral cooperation program.

They also addressed a range of issues related to the effective implementation of activities planned for 2026. Both sides underscored the importance of expanding cooperation in education, professional training, exercises and drills, as well as the exchange of experience across various fields, to be carried out in both Armenia and India.

Lieutenant General Eduard Asryan presented the main directions of the transformation of the Armenian Armed Forces, emphasizing the significance of Armenia–India defense cooperation within this process.

Armenia’s Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan also received General Anil Chauhan. According to the Ministry of Defense, Chauhan expressed the Indian Armed Forces’ readiness to continue developing cooperation along existing lines and to initiate new areas of mutual interest.

Papikyan highly assessed the current level of Armenia–India defense cooperation, stressing the importance of the regular implementation of joint programs. The parties also discussed a number of issues related to regional and international security.

The meeting was attended by India’s Ambassador to Armenia, Nilakshi Saha Sinha.

The delegation led by General Anil Chauhan arrived in Armenia on an official visit on February 1.