Yerevan, Delhi explore defense cooperation expansion

PanARMENIAN.Net - Yerevan and Delhi are discussing prospects for joint development of military equipment, The New Indian Express reported, citing information about Armenian Chief of the General Staff Edward Asryan’s visit to India.

“Yerevan and Delhi are discussing prospects for joint development of military equipment, deepening strategic cooperation, and modernization of the armed forces,” the publication said, according to RFE/RL.

Citing its own sources, the outlet claims Armenia is considering options to produce Indian weaponry on its territory.

According to a statement from India’s Integrated Defence Staff, the sides are also discussing the possibility of establishing joint ventures in military technology development, The New Indian Express writes.

If implemented, the newspaper notes, Armenian-Indian military-technical cooperation could move “beyond the traditional buyer-seller logic toward joint development and organization of local production.”

Armenia is also exploring options to produce or integrate Indian-made air defense systems domestically, the report adds.

According to Armenia’s Defense Ministry, during his official visit to India, First Deputy Defense Minister and Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan, met with Indian Air Force Commander, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.

The parties discussed issues related to bilateral defense cooperation.

Asryan also met with India’s Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, where Armenia-India defense cooperation was further discussed.