Armenia, India cement defence ties with 2026 cooperation program

The Ministries of Defence of Armenia and India have formalized their ongoing collaboration by signing a comprehensive cooperation program for 2026, signaling a deepening of bilateral defence ties.

The agreement follows a series of defence consultations held on October 23 in Hyderabad, India. These consultations took place within the framework of a joint working group on bilateral defence cooperation, established last year to enhance strategic and military coordination between the two nations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

The talks were co-chaired by Levon Ayvazyan, Head of Policy and International Military Cooperation Department, at Armenia’s Ministry of Defence, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) at India’s Ministry of Defence. Armenian Ambassador to India Vahagn Afyan also participated, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the meeting.

During the discussions, both parties expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of the 2025 cooperation program, while stressing the importance of expanding the partnership through the inclusion of several new areas in the upcoming 2026 agenda.

The dialogue also encompassed regional and international security issues, with both sides exchanging updates on recent developments within their respective armed forces.

The signed 2026 Cooperation Program outlines a series of planned activities, including reciprocal visits by senior officials and defence experts, initiatives in military education, military-technical cooperation, joint combat training and exercises, as well as the exchange of expertise.

Moreover, an agreement was reached to convene the next round of consultations in Armenia, further solidifying the bilateral defence relationship.

In recent years, Armenia and India have progressively nurtured close military-technical cooperation. Reports from Indian sources highlight significant arms deals between Yerevan and New Delhi, including Armenia’s acquisition of multiple rocket launcher systems, various artillery units, and surface-to-air missile systems. However, Armenian officials have yet to officially confirm these defence procurement reports.

By Vafa Guliyeva