Yerevan: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan led an Indian defence delegation for a series of high-level engagements in Armenia, aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and advancing strategic collaboration across key security and regional domains of mutual interest.
On Wednesday, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Karen Brutyan, Deputy Minister of Defence of Armenia. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence ties and exploring avenues for strategic cooperation in areas of shared security concern.
In a post on X, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff said, “General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), led the Indian delegation for a courtesy call with Mr Karen Brutyan, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia. The interaction underscored the commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and advancing strategic collaboration across key security and regional domains of mutual interest between both nations.”
Prior to the meeting with the Deputy Defence Minister, General Chauhan and the Indian delegation met Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Armenia’s Minister of High-Tech Industry, highlighting potential areas of cooperation in technology development and defence-related innovation.
The CDS also called on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, with discussions focusing on the evolving geopolitical landscape and the prevailing security environment. The talks explored emerging opportunities for bilateral collaboration and ways to further strengthen defence and strategic ties.
“General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), accompanied by the Indian delegation, interacted with His Excellency Mr Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, exchanging views on the evolving geopolitical landscape and prevailing security environment,” the Integrated Defence Staff said in a separate post. “The discussions highlighted emerging opportunities for collaboration and avenues to further strengthen bilateral defence and strategic cooperation.”
Additionally, General Chauhan met Robert Abisoghomonyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, to discuss security issues and other bilateral matters of mutual interest.
As part of the visit, the CDS inaugurated an IT Lab and Distance Learning Centre at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia in Yerevan, underscoring India’s commitment to defence education and capacity-building initiatives.
Earlier in the week, General Chauhan received a Guard of Honour and ceremonial welcome from the Armenian Armed Forces. He also paid tribute and laid a wreath at the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, commemorating the memory of 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives in the genocide.
The Indian defence delegation, led by CDS General Anil Chauhan, arrived in Armenia on Sunday for a four-day official visit, marking another significant step in strengthening defence ties between India and Armenia.