New Delhi/Yerevan – The ripples from Operation Sindoor are no longer confined to South Asia. As India’s swift and decisive military action grabbed global attention, its growing clout as a defence exporter is sparking fresh diplomatic and strategic realignments—from Central Asia to the Caucasus.
One country particularly attuned to India’s battlefield success is Armenia, a conflict-hardened nation navigating tense borders and simmering hostilities, especially with its long-time rival Azerbaijan. With Turkey consistently backing Baku—militarily and diplomatically—Armenia is now casting its strategic gaze eastward, toward an increasingly reliable partner: India.
In a bold move reflecting growing confidence in Indian defence systems, Colonel Mher Israelian is currently leading a high-level Armenian military delegation in New Delhi. Their mission is clear: evaluate and possibly procure India-made AK-203 assault rifles, advanced indigenous surveillance tech, and cutting-edge battlefield sensors.
This isn’t Armenia’s first foray into Indian defence markets. Since 2020, Armenia has signed more than $2 billion in arms contracts with India. These are not symbolic gestures but serious purchases aimed at upgrading its military backbone. The acquisitions include:
Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers – known for rapid, high-intensity strikes on enemy positions.
Akash Air Defence Systems – capable of neutralizing drones, missiles, and low-flying aircraft threats in real-time combat.
In fact, Armenia has already begun receiving the Akash-1S system, following a landmark $720 million deal signed in 2022. The first battery arrived in November 2024, with more shipments scheduled post-July 2025.
But this growing military relationship isn’t just about weapons. Armenia is looking for long-term value—training programs, technical support, logistics assistance, and even joint production initiatives. Insiders confirm that both sides are exploring a deeper framework of cooperation that could redefine India’s presence in the Caucasus.
For India, this is about more than arms sales. Partnering with Armenia offers strategic access to the Caucasus, a geopolitically vital region connecting Europe, Russia, and West Asia—a corridor where Turkey has traditionally wielded strong influence.
Operation Sindoor, initially aimed at neutralizing hostile threats along India’s western borders, has had a far-reaching impact. It showcased India’s homegrown military technology, reinforced global confidence, and opened doors to new strategic opportunities.
Armenia may be the first to act—but it certainly won’t be the last.
