Armenian Ambassador addresses India defense forum, highlights growing bilateral ties

On May 14, Armenian Ambassador Vahagn Afyan delivered remarks at the 3rd “Kalam and Kavach” (translated as “Pen and Shield”) conference on defense and strategic dialogue, held at the Manekshaw Centre of the Indian Armed Forces.

In his speech, Ambassador V. Afyan noted that in recent years Armenia–India relations have evolved from traditionally friendly ties into a dynamic and multifaceted collaboration, with military-technical cooperation becoming one of its main pillars. Referring to reciprocal sectoral visits, as well as the institutional dialogue and regular consultations established between the senior defense leaderships of the two countries, the Ambassador emphasized that, from the perspective of structured and long-term cooperation, promising opportunities may lie in combining India’s large-scale industrial capabilities with Armenia’s innovative and high-tech potential. The Ambassador also underscored that although relations between the two countries have not yet officially been designated as a “strategic partnership,” the substance of bilateral cooperation largely reflects that nature.

Rajnath Singh, Indian Minister of Defence, joined the discussion with a video message, and Minister of State Sanjay Seth delivered remarks, in which he likewise highly praised the expanding cooperation between India and Armenia.