PM Modi thanks Armenia for helping Indians evacuate during Iran war

By Ajay Haldar

New Delhi, June 25: While the relationship between India and Armenia in the context of modern geopolitics may be only a few decades old, their historical ties date back more than 2,000 years. Consequently, when Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his election victory, a renewed warmth in the bilateral relationship became evident.

'Gratitude for assistance to Indian citizens'

Sharing details of the phone conversation on X (formerly Twitter) late Wednesday night, PM Modi wrote, "I was delighted to receive a phone call from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan a short while ago. I conveyed my best wishes to him and his party for their victory in the recent parliamentary elections in Armenia." He also thanked the Armenian PM for the assistance provided to Indians during the crisis involving Iran.

Photo source: pmindia.gov.in

Historical ties between India and Armenia

The relationship between India and Armenia is not new. In terms of modern geopolitics, India recognized Armenia on December 26, 1991, and diplomatic relations were established between the two nations on August 31, 1992.

However, literary evidence suggests that Indian settlements had already been established in the Taron region of Armenia as early as 149 BC. This region is now part of Turkey.

Subsequently, members of the Armenian community also settled in Indian cities such as Kolkata, Chennai, Surat, and Mumbai.

'Taking bilateral ties to new heights'

In modern times, Armenia has emerged as a trusted partner for India in West Asia. PM Modi wrote, "We reiterated our shared commitment to further strengthening our warm and multifaceted partnership across all key sectors, including trade, defense, technology, and people-to-people ties. We look forward to working together to take India-Armenia relations to new heights." India Emerges as a Major Defense Partner for Armenia

In recent times, Armenia has focused on significantly strengthening its defense ties with India.

Armenia faces a threat from Azerbaijan, a nation that receives support from Pakistan and Turkey.

Between 2020 and 2023, Armenia was involved in two major conflicts with Azerbaijan, during which Turkish weapons were extensively used against it, and Pakistan also acted against it.

It was in the wake of these events that Armenia signed a defense deal worth approximately $2 billion with India.

Under this agreement, Armenia has contracted to purchase the Akash air defense missile system, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, Swathi weapon-locating radars, and anti-drone systems from India.