India, Armenia Strengthen Ties: Trade, AI and Counter-Terrorism on Agenda
India and Armenia hold 12th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi to strengthen ties in AI, trade, and counter-terrorism.
India and Armenia have taken a significant step in deepening their diplomatic bond during the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in New Delhi. The two nations engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide array of strategic interests, ranging from cutting-edge technology to global security measures.
Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi
The high-level meeting was led by Ambassador Sibi George, Secretary (West) for India, and Mnatsakan Safaryan, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the consultations served as a platform to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.
The discussions were not limited to traditional diplomacy; the two sides delved into modern frontiers of cooperation, specifically focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), science, and technology. The dialogue also emphasized the importance of education, culture, and enhancing people-to-people ties to foster a stronger mutual understanding.
Focus on Security and Economy
Beyond technology, the consultations touched upon critical security concerns. Both nations reviewed their cooperation in counter-terrorism, reflecting a shared commitment to global stability. On the economic front, the delegations discussed ways to bolster trade and investment to create a more robust financial partnership.
The MEA noted that India and Armenia enjoy warm and friendly relations characterized by regular political and official exchanges. This latest round of talks comes as the two countries move toward the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, which will be celebrated in 2027.
Expanding the Horizon: Regional and Global Issues
The conversations extended beyond bilateral interests. The Indian and Armenian representatives exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual concern, exploring how both nations can better collaborate within multilateral forums to address international challenges.
A Legacy of Cooperation
This meeting follows the 11th round of consultations held in Yerevan on November 8 last year. That previous engagement was marked by a significant milestone: the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India and the Ministry of Health of Armenia to cooperate in public health and medical science.
The Growing Role of Defence
While the FOC focused on diplomacy and technology, defence has emerged as a cornerstone of the India-Armenia relationship. Just days before these consultations, on October 23, a Joint Working Group Meeting on Defence Cooperation took place in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Led by Joint Secretary Vishwesh Negi for India and Levon Ayvazyan for Armenia, the Hyderabad meeting focused on:
- Bilateral defence cooperation.
- Defence industrial collaboration.
- Critical security-related issues.
As the partnership evolves, both nations have agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations will be hosted by Armenia at a mutually convenient date.