India and Armenia Strengthen Defence Ties During Recent Visit
Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh’s recent visit to Armenia on August 17-18, 2026, marked a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral defence relations. His discussions with Armenian defence officials centered on enhancing military cooperation, capacity building, and joint research and development initiatives. This visit not only underscored India’s role as a key partner for Armenia but also highlighted a commitment to deepening ties in military and technical domains.
Bilateral Meetings Focus on Defence Cooperation
During his time in Armenia, Singh held crucial meetings with several high-ranking Armenian officials, including Deputy Defence Minister Mr. Karen Brutyan and First Deputy Defence Minister Mr. Edward Asryan. The agenda encompassed a variety of topics related to military technical cooperation, particularly capacity building and training.
One notable outcome from these discussions was the formal exchange of Terms of Reference aimed at institutionalizing Joint Services Staff Talks between the armed forces of India and Armenia. This initiative seeks to lay the groundwork for ongoing dialogue and collaboration in various military aspects.
Memorandum of Understanding Signed
Additionally, Singh met with Mr. Davit Tradevosyan, the Minister of Hi-tech Industry of Armenia, focusing on proposals to foster advancements in defence research and development. This dialogue coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two Defence Ministries, aimed at enhancing cooperation in joint collaboration and innovation.
Commitment to Strengthening Ties
Singh’s visit also included a significant meeting with Armenia’s Minister of Defence, Mr. Suren Papikyan. In this discussion, both ministers reaffirmed their dedication to bolstering the defence partnership further, exploring new avenues to enhance military technical cooperation.
Engagement with the Armenian Military Academy
As part of his itinerary, the Defence Secretary visited the Armenian Military Academy named after Vazgen Sargasyan. His interactive session with the academy’s head and faculty emphasized the importance of education in defence training, particularly referencing the Indian-assisted IT Lab at the academy as a model for capacity building.
Broader Strategic Conversations
In a productive dialogue with Mr. Mnatsakan Safaryan, Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, Singh explored the expanding defence partnership between the two countries. As Armenia seeks to diversify its defence procurement strategies, India is emerging as a crucial player in the military technical cooperation landscape. This visit reflected the shared values between India and Armenia concerning multilateralism and strategic autonomy.
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