Armenian FM Discusses Strengthening Ties With India on Defense, Trade, and Regional Stability

During an official visit to India, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan gave an interview to WION, a leading Indian media outlet focusing on foreign policy issues. 

You can read the full interview on WION here or you can read the highlights here from the interview:

1. Armenia-India Relations

• The relationship is deep-rooted, dating back centuries.

• Armenia was one of the first countries India recognized after independence in 1991.

• Recent years have seen intensified diplomatic engagement, mutual visits, and cooperation agreements.

  
  

2. Defense Cooperation

• Armenia and India have a growing defense relationship, with Armenia purchasing Indian-made defense equipment.

• Mirzoyan emphasized that these acquisitions are for Armenia’s defense modernization, not aggression.

• He reiterated Armenia’s commitment to peace in the region despite Azerbaijani concerns over arms imports.

  
  

3. Connectivity and Trade

• Armenia is pushing its "Crossroads of Peace" initiative to unblock regional transport infrastructure.

• The Chabahar Port in Iran is seen as a key gateway for expanding India-Armenia trade.

• Direct flights between India and Armenia are being discussed to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties.

  
  

4. Education and Labor Migration

• Armenia has been attracting Indian students, mainly in medicine, for decades.

• Plans for an "academic city" may bring more Indian students.

• Legal labor migration from India to Armenia is increasing, but the government seeks regulation to protect workers' rights.

  
  

5. Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process

• Armenia and Azerbaijan are close to finalizing a peace agreement.

• Armenia has proposed arms control mechanisms and border delimitation to enhance stability.

  
  

6. India’s Role and International Cooperation

• Armenia supports India’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir.

• Armenia condemns terrorism and has suffered from mercenary fighters in past conflicts.

• Armenia backs India’s call for UN Security Council reforms and remains engaged with BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

  
  

7. Relations with Türkiye and Iran

• Armenia is engaged in ongoing talks to normalize relations and open borders with Türkiye.

• Relations with Iran remain strong, and trilateral cooperation with India and Iran is progressing.