 "Why Armenia has emerged as India's leading defence export destination")
Armenia has now become India’s top destination for defence exports. This burgeoning defence relationship between the two nations comes as India recorded an all-time high in defence exports, reaching Rs 21,083 crore (about $2.63 billion) in the fiscal year 2023-24 — a significant increase of 32.5 per cent compared to the previous year.
With rising security concerns and shifting alliances in Eurasia, Armenia’s partnership with India signals a shift away from historical dependency on Russian arms and a move toward diversification and self-reliance in defence in the South Caucasus region.
An Indian finance ministry report has said that Armenia “has become the largest importer of weapons from India after concluding deals on the purchase of Pinaka multiple-launch rocket systems and Akash anti-aircraft systems.” The report added, “… the total volume of weapons purchases by Armenia from India reached $600 million by the start of the current (financial year) 2024–25.”
Armenia’s shifts from Russia to India
Armenia’s historical reliance on Russia for defence equipment is well-documented; Moscow supplied approximately 94 per cent of Armenia’s arms between 2011 and 2020, including advanced systems like the Iskander missile system, Su-30SM fighter jets, air defence systems, and multiple rocket launchers.
Russia has been the backbone of Armenia’s military capacity for decades. However, Armenia’s confidence in Russia’s role as a reliable partner began to erode following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war with Azerbaijan, in which Russia’s support for Armenia was seen as limited or inconsistent.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Moscow’s response without naming Russia, stating that “our allies have failed to deliver weapons to Armenia despite contracts signed with them in the last two years.” Since then Pashinyan has been seen turning a cold shoulder towards Moscow.
Amid these changing dynamics, Armenia started exploring alternative partners for its defence needs, leading it to India, which was positioning itself as a global supplier of arms.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe two nations initiated a major partnership in 2020 when Armenia emerged as the top destination for Indian arms, with defence agreements worth an estimated $2 billion. This marked the beginning of Armenia’s shift from Russian reliance to an alliance with India, a partnership that has since deepened in scope and significance.
Key defence deals and systems delivered by India
The defence agreements between India and Armenia span a range of sophisticated military equipment tailored to Armenia’s needs, especially in countering threats from neighboring Azerbaijan. Armenia’s major acquisitions from India include:
Pinaka multi-launch rocket systems: Renowned for their range and precision, the Pinaka systems enhance Armenia’s artillery capabilities, offering Armenia a strategic edge in mountainous regions like Nagorno-Karabakh.
Akash-1S air defence missile system: Armenia placed a $720-million order in 2022 for 15 Akash-1S systems, which represents the first international sale of this advanced Bharat Dynamics Limited air defence system. Expected for delivery this year, the Akash-1S will enable Armenia to defend effectively against aerial threats, including fighter jets, guided missiles, and drones, addressing a key defence vulnerability.
Dornier-228 surveillance aircraft: The provision of Dornier-228 aircraft adds to Armenia’s capability for reconnaissance and surveillance, allowing it to monitor and control airspace more effectively.
Other critical military hardware: India’s arms exports to Armenia have included anti-tank guided rockets, bullet-proof vests, night-vision goggles, artillery and ammunition supplies, small arms, and advanced weapon-locating radars. These systems collectively offer Armenia a more modern and versatile defence posture.
The Defence Minister of Armenia Suren Papikyan met with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit to New Delhi in 2022.
The appointment of an Armenian defence attaché in New Delhi in 2023 reflected Armenia’s commitment to this partnership, facilitating smoother coordination on defence projects and enabling training exchanges that further reinforce the alliance.
By sourcing equipment from India, Armenia also gains access to Indian training and operational expertise, creating a comprehensive defence upgrade that enhances Armenia’s regional standing and resilience against external threats.
What is in it for India?
For India, the partnership with Armenia is part of a broader geopolitical strategy to extend its influence in the South Caucasus and counterbalance the influence of Pakistan and Turkey, both of which have close ties with Azerbaijan.
During the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Pakistan openly supported Azerbaijan, signalling a close trilateral alliance between Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan. Armenia’s partnership with India thus serves as a natural counterbalance to this alliance, positioning India as a key supporter of Armenia’s security interests.
India has also been active in trilateral dialogues with Armenia and Iran and has developed a strategic alignment with Armenia and France, both of which further its goal of establishing secure trade and connectivity corridors in Eurasia.
Additionally, India is in advanced talks to join the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Armenia, as an observer state.
India’s defence partnership with Armenia aligns with its ambitions to become a major global defence exporter, supporting its economic goals and aspirations of becoming a key player in the Eurasian market.
A mutually beneficial partnership
The defence partnership between India and Armenia is poised to reshape the strategic calculus in the South Caucasus.
For Armenia, this alliance represents an opportunity to modernise its military, reduce dependence on a single supplier, and secure critical support against regional threats.
For India, it opens doors to deeper engagement in Eurasia and a stronger defence export market, bolstering its regional influence.
India’s deliveries of the Akash missile systems, Pinaka rocket launchers, and other advanced equipment signify a deepening of ties, with potential for future collaborations, joint training, and possibly even co-development of defence technology.
This partnership could also inspire other nations in the region to explore diversified defence relationships and re-evaluate traditional alliances in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
With inputs from agencies
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