Since the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War of 2020, Armenia has sought to diversify outside traditional partners such as Russia, as part of its long-term complementarist foreign policy. India has been one country with which Armenia has deepened its relationship in recent times, particularly in defence and security. With Armenia’s foreign policy shift and diversification efforts, India is well-positioned to be a significant partner for Yerevan. This partnership offers various mutual benefits, from economic growth to security. The India–Armenia relationship is a win-win situation, demonstrating that both countries stand to gain from their cooperation.

India and Armenia share a robust relationship that is deeply rooted in history. The Armenians first arrived in India as traders and later established their diaspora. The relationship gained prominence after the Soviet collapse and the emergence of the newly independent nation of Armenia. Over the years, it has gained further importance, and there is vigour in both countries to improve and add to the ever-growing relationship. This historical connection between India and Armenia forms a strong foundation for their current and future cooperation.

Currently, the relationship continues to grow in various fields of cooperation, including political, economics and defence. The relationship is complemented by foreign policy initiatives followed by both countries. India's strategic autonomy and focus on its extended neighbourhood are acknowledged in the Caucasus, where Armenia is an essential component. Armenia’s multi-vector foreign policy has place for the involvement of major regional powers and this is where India fits in.

The relationship's main foundation is defence. Recently, the two nations have been planning to explore capacity-building and not limit themselves to technical defence cooperation.1 The two nations have seen substantial growth in this field. India recently sent........

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