Armenia and India are strengthening defense cooperation, with Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s August visit to Yerevan focused on military-technical ties, defense technology and a new format for cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces.

Singh arrived in Armenia on 16 August for a two-day official visit. On 17 August, he met with Armenian Minister of High-Tech Industry Davit Tadevosyan and First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff Edvard Asryan. On 18 August, he met Armenian Deputy Defence Minister Karen Brutyan.

During the talks with Tadevosyan, the two sides focused on cooperation in the defense industry and high-tech fields, including scientific research, development and innovation. Armenia’s Ministry of High-Tech Industry and India’s Ministry of Defence signed a memorandum covering joint research and development programmes, innovation initiatives, defense technology startups and incubators, and exchanges of expertise.

Singh’s meeting with Asryan also produced a document establishing a new format for cooperation between the general staffs of the Armenian and Indian armed forces. The two sides also reviewed broader defense cooperation.

The August visit builds on contacts established earlier this year. On 28 April, Asryan met Singh in India during an official Armenian delegation visit, with the sides addressing defense cooperation. Asryan also held separate meetings with senior Indian military officials on regional security and the bilateral cooperation plan. 

Defense cooperation between Armenia and India has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly through Armenian purchases of Indian-made military equipment. Armenia has acquired systems including Pinaka multiple rocket launchers, Akash air-defense systems, Swathi weapon-locating radars, and artillery systems as part of efforts to diversify its military procurement.

The shift was particularly visible at Armenia’s military parade in Yerevan on 28 May 2026, where Indian-made military systems were publicly displayed alongside other newly acquired foreign equipment. The presentation included Indian systems that have become part of Armenia’s growing defense inventory. 

The latest agreements indicate a broader focus beyond equipment procurement. Armenia and India are establishing strategic mechanisms for defense technology development, industrial cooperation, and professional exchanges, while contacts between their military institutions are also being formalized.