A high-level Indian defence delegation, led by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, has arrived in Armenia for a four-day official visit focused on strengthening defence and security cooperation between the two countries. The visit is seen as a significant move to advance bilateral military engagement and reinforce strategic ties. This visit is crucial for promoting shared strategic interests and boosting long-term defence and security collaboration between India and Armenia.
Upon their arrival in Yerevan, the Indian delegation was warmly welcomed by India’s Ambassador to Armenia, Nilakshi Saha Sinha, and Deputy Chief of the Armenian Armed Forces, Major General Temur Shahnazaryan. The reception highlights the increasing closeness in defence relations between New Delhi and Yerevan. The visit follows a recent milestone in India-Armenia defence cooperation, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the first batch of guided Pinaka rockets bound for Armenia.
Armenia had entered into a contract worth around Rs 2,000 crore in September 2022 for the purchase of four Pinaka rocket system batteries, including unguided, extended-range, and guided variants. This deal signifies Armenia as the first international customer for the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The agreement is a significant step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and its aspiration to become a major global defence exporter.
The delivery of the initial Pinaka unguided rocket systems began in July 2023 and concluded by late 2024, paving the way for subsequent shipments of advanced variants. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the growing strength and maturity of India’s defence industry through the export of Pinaka missiles. He highlighted India’s evolving export potential, transitioning from being solely an importer of defence equipment to emerging as a prominent global defence exporter.
