“Armenia views India as a close partner with whom we share deep rooted civilizational ties and historical connections”
September 21, is a proud moment for Armenia as it celebrates its Independence Day with much fanfare. How does the Embassy of Armenia in New Delhi celebrate the day?
This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the Republic of Armenia’s independence. The National Day of the Republic of Armenia commemorates the referendum held on September 21, 1991, where the people were asked: “Do you agree that the Republic of Armenia should be an independent, democratic state outside the USSR?” The people of Armenia responded with a resounding “Yes.” This day symbolizes the rebirth of our nation after centuries of dormancy. The struggles and challenges faced in recent years have been an essential part of our fight for independence and sovereignty.
Today, Armenia is a country that fosters conditions conducive to free self-expression and the pursuit of happiness through creative and productive endeavors. Democracy, freedom of economic and lawful activity, equality before the law, a principled anti-corruption stance, and a vibrant economy are all pillars of our nation.
This year, as part of the Independence Day celebrations in India, a series of festive concerts will be held in Kolkata, New Delhi, and Chennai to honor the 100th birthday of the legendary Armenian musician Charles Aznavour. His centennial has been included in UNESCO’s 2024-2025 Jubilee of Famous People and Important Events calendar.
For the last three years, the intensity of the cooperation between India and Armenia has increased at an active pace, strengthened by the establishment of a growing defence and security partnership. How do you see the trajectory of Indo-Armenian defence ties in the coming times?
Despite the geographical distance, Armenia views India as a close partner with whom we share deep-rooted civilizational ties and historical connections. Comprehensive deepening and development of cooperation with India is one of the foreign policy priorities of Armenia, and both sides are working towards developing multifaceted relations between our two friendly countries and securing tangible results and benefits for our citizens.
In recent years, Armenian-Indian relations have seen a significant increase, with the political dialogue gaining new momentum. The meeting between the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, held in New York in 2019 within the framework of the UN General Assembly, was an important stimulus for this development. The prospect of deepening interstate cooperation was highlighted at the aforementioned meeting.
During the first visit of Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to Armenia in October 2021, as well as during the subsequent working visits of Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to India within the framework of the “Raisina Dialogue” in 2022 and 2023, the commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties in various fields was reaffirmed. In particular, the expansion of cooperation in the trade-economic, defense and cultural spheres, as well as the promotion of interpersonal contacts, were emphasized.
In order to enable Indian investors to optimize the potential for growth of commerce between two nations the Government of Armenia has been actively undertaking steps to promote trade opportunities. Could you throw some light on of the ongoing initiatives for the same?
During the past year, as compared to 2018-2019, the volumes of trade turnover between Armenia and India have tripled. However, taking into account the demand for exported and imported goods between the two countries and the steps taken towards enhancing interaction, it should be noted that there is a huge unrealized potential. Therefore, consistent steps are being taken to multiply the volume of trade with India in the coming years.
Here I would like to note that active steps are being taken to establish a direct air connection between Armenia and India, and we hope that in the near future there will be tangible achievements with the involvement of both Armenian and Indian airlines. It will contribute not only to the establishment of closer contacts between businessmen, but also to tourism, which is also considered as one of the perspective sectors in relations with India. This is an important area of cooperation, which also contributes to the deepening of mutual recognition between the two friendly peoples.
In the context of connectivity and communication between countries, naturally, we cannot fail to refer to the regional logistics mega-projects, especially since Armenia is highly interested in developing cooperation within the framework of the “North-South” international transport corridor (INSTC), the Chabahar port’s full launch project, as well as the Persian Gulf-Black Sea International Transport and Transit Corridor. As for Armenia’s participation in the Chabahar port project, practical studies are underway within the working group in Armenia. And the mentioned programs are consistent with the “Crossroads of Peace” concept developed by the Armenian Government.
Realizing the crucial importance of the opening of all trade and transport communications in the Caucasus, the Government of Armenia has introduced the “Crossroads of Peace” project as an important component of Armenia’s peace agenda. The key essence of that project is the unblocking and development of communications by means of renovating, building, and operating roads, railways, pipelines, cables and electricity lines, based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and jurisdiction of states, reciprocity and equality.
In February 2024, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Narek Mkrtchyan, visited New Delhi to participate in the 9th annual international conference “Raisina Dialogue” dedicated to global security issues and Armenian Deputy Minister of Defence, Karen Brutyan undertook a visit to India in March 2024. What were some of the key issues discussed during the visit?
During Minister Narek Mkrtchyan’s visit to India fruitful discussions took place between Armenian and Indian counterparts on various aspects of cooperation in labor and social affairs as well. The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs along with the Minister of Labor and Employment of India discussed the need for joint regulations in labor migration and the creation of platforms to facilitate employment opportunities between our countries. Additionally, during a separate meeting with the “National Skill Development Corporation”, further discussions took place regarding practical steps outlined in previous cooperation memorandums. Minister Mkrtchyan also had a number of remarkable meetings within the framework of his participation in the Raisina Dialogue 2024, the first panel discussions of which were dedicated to Armenia-India relations.
We are delighted to highlight that the inaugural edition of Yerevan Dialogue under the title “Shaping Tomorrow Today” hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, in partnership with Observer Research Foundation was organized in 9-11 September 2024 in Yerevan. Convening for the first time Yerevan Dialogue provided a vital platform to ask critical questions, voice diverging opinions and converging insights to seek sustainable solutions. In March of last year, a delegation led by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia Major-General was in India on a working visit. Major General Edward Asryan’s visit and participation in the Raisina Dialogue showcased a deeper engagement in security matters.
In March this year Deputy Minister of Defence of Armenia Karen Brutyan, on his working visit to India, engaged in meetings with high-ranking officials. The discussions primarily focused on enhancing cooperation in the defence sector between Armenia and India. The defence cooperation between Armenia and India has been evolving positively. India’s advancements in defence technology are of great interest to Armenia, and our relevant bodies have fostered fruitful contacts in this regard. Minister of Defence of Armenia Suren Papikyan’s visit in 2022 was instrumental in reinforcing our defence ties. He met with his Indian counterpart, Minister Rajnath Singh.
Republic of Armenia has emerged as an attractive destination for Indian students wishing to pursue medical courses abroad. What is the major policy framework for such Indian students in terms of scholarships etc.?
The number of Indian citizens studying in Armenia is increasing every year. This not only highlights the trust in Armenian educational institutions but also signifies the depth of our partnership. We have also succeeded in fostering cooperation in the academic field, with and between prominent think-tanks from both sides.
Another significant initiative is the Academic City project, which is part of Armenia’s ambitious Education Development Plan. This project aims to create a modern environment for high-quality higher education and research, fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and services. The Academic City project, approved by the Armenian Government, envisions a comprehensive infrastructure that facilitates advanced education and research. By 2030, this city, situated on the outskirts of Yerevan, will accommodate over 44,000 individuals, including students, professors, scientists, and administrative staff. It will house state institutions of higher education, along with private universities operating under interstate agreements. The aim is to create an environment conducive to interdisciplinary research and innovation, attracting top talent from around the world. We are eager to welcome Indian students, researchers, and academicians as well.
Armenia, with its diverse cultural heritage and unique cultural identity stands apart for international visitors in terms of what it has to offer. Can you highlight some of the steps undertaken by the Government of Armenia to promote tourism?
Cultural cooperation plays a pivotal role in strengthening the bonds between our nations. We are grateful to the Government of India for its support in preserving and promoting Armenian cultural heritage within its borders. Additionally, we are actively working on implementing Armenian-Indian cultural exchange programs, showcasing the richness of Indian culture to the Armenian audience.
Recently on July 23, The Embassy of Armenia in India, in collaboration with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and India and the Permanent Delegation of Armenia to UNESCO, organized a side event exhibition titled “Art that Reinstates Friendship: Ajanta Revisited in Armenia” on the margins of the 46th Session of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, taking place for the first time in New Delhi. As part of the exhibition, copies of the paintings of the Armenian artist Sargis Khachaturian depicting the murals of the Ajanta caves in India, which are stored in the National Gallery of Armenia, were displayed.
There is a great potential in cooperation in the field of film industry, which will contribute to the development of film production, tourism and relevant education in Armenia. It should be emphasized that the Armenian Law on Cinematography, amended in 2023, introduced cashback mechanisms offering up to 40 percent reimbursement of film producers’ expenses, making Armenia even more attractive for shooting films, including for Indian filmmakers. This initiative not only enhances Armenia’s attractiveness as a filming destination but also fosters cultural and tourism exchange. We anticipate that such collaborations will further strengthen ties between our nations and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of both Armenia and India.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
As we celebrate this important milestone in Armenia’s history, let us take meaningful steps to strengthen Armenia and India relationship further and explore opportunities for collaboration that will bring prosperity and growth to both our nations. Armenia is open to new partnerships, innovative ideas, and the shared vision of a brighter future.
To learn more about Armenia’s unique culture, vibrant history, and opportunities for investment and travel, I encourage you to visit the following links:
https://armenia.travel/ — Explore the rich heritage, scenic landscapes, and cultural treasures that make Armenia a captivating destination.
https://enterprisearmenia.am/ — Find out more about investment opportunities, business initiatives, and Armenia’s growing economic landscape.