T he history of Armenian-Indian relations goes back centuries. Since the 16^th century, Armenian communities have been forming and developing in India, which have a great impact on the formation of Armenian socio-political thought. Educational, cultural and humanitarian components have always been of primary importance in Armenian-Indian relations. Throughout the history of independence, Armenia has greatly valued the strengthening of friendly relations with India and the establishment of new ways of cooperation.

With the recognition of Armenia’s Independence in December 1991, and with the opening of an embassy in Yerevan on March 1, 1999, which now also serves relations with Georgia, India also emphasized the development of relations with Armenia. Yerevan’s unequivocal support in the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is noteworthy for Delhi. This decisive position was also confirmed by Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, during the visit of Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to Yerevan in 2021, which, by the way, was the first visit of the head of India’s foreign policy department to Armenia. This also proves that the deepening of relations with India in recent years is of special importance for Armenia. On the one hand, the imperative to develop economic ties and on the other hand, arms supply to Armenia add strategic importance to bilateral relations.

Nevertheless, there is quite a big potential in Armenia-India relations, in the discovery and realization of which the active participation of state and non-state circles is very important. One of those circles is the cooperation and joint work of public and expert communities. Establishing and deepening of partnership with the leading Indian think tanks, organizing joint events, exchanging ideas and thus contributing to the development of bilateral relations is important for the Armenian field of expertise.

Orbeli Analytical Center presents some of the leading think tanks in India, that it has contacted with. Those centers, which also work with the Indian Government and make a certain contribution to the country’s foreign policy, are also interested in the South Caucasus.   

Observer Research Foundation

T he foundation was established in 1990. It is based in Delhi, but also has centers in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. It is an independent think tank and simultaneously provides its contribution to the Indian government, politicians and decision makers, as well as the country’s political and business circles. In some projects it cooperates with the Ministry of External Affairs of India. Areas of study include defense, security, international relations, governance, environment, energy, resources, economy and other fields.

The following programs and centers are within the structure of the foundation:

• Centre for New Economic Diplomacy,
• Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology,
• Economy and Growth,
• Energy and Climate Change,
• Political Economy,
• Strategic Studies,
• Sustainable Development,
• Technologies and Media.

The geography of the fund includes:

• Afghanistan,
• Africa,
• North and South America,
• Central Asia,
• China,
• European Union,
• India,
• The Maldives,
• Russia and Eurasia,
• South Asia,
• The Pacific Ocean, Eastern and Southeast Asia,
• USA and Canada,
• Western Asia.

Armenia is considered in the Russia and Eurasia section, mainly in the context of regional politics, particularly Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Turkey’s policy in the South Caucasus. It is noted that within the context of the 44-Day War Ankara provided significant support to Baku, including bringing mercenaries from the Middle East, as well as the fact that Pakistan fully supports Turkey’s actions.

India-Armenia relations are also under consideration. Experts often point out that it is important for India to cooperate and support Armenia, as the interests of both countries coincide in terms of facing direct opponents. At the same time, there is confidence that deeper cooperation with Armenia is also economically beneficial for India, since Armenia occupies an important place in the “Eurasian Corridor”, which connects the Persian Gulf with Russia and Europe.

The foundation also cooperates with Armenian political analysts and experts: on its website you can also find their author articles, in particular on the 2021 extraordinary parliamentary elections, the fight against Coronavirus and on other topics.

It is noteworthy the participation of RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan at the prestigious “Raisina Dialogue” international conference held by the Observer Research Foundation since 2016 in cooperation with the Indian MFA in 2022 and 2023. Recently, the Foreign Minister stated, that it is planned to organize an international conference together with the Foundation in Yerevan, in September 2024.

Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses 

T he Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses named after Manohar Parrikar, the former Defence Minister of India, which is a “non-party, autonomous body”, was founded in 1965 by the Indian Ministry of Defence and engages in research on various aspects of defence, security and international relations. The organization’s mission is to contribute to national and international security through the collection and dissemination of knowledge on defense and security issues. 

The following centers are within the Institute:  

• Africa, Latin America, Caribbean and UN
• Counter Terrorism,
• Defence Economics and Industry,
• East Asia,
• Europe and Eurasia,
• Internal Security,
• Military Issues,
• Non-Traditional Security,
• Nuclear and Arms Control,
• South Asia,
• Southeast Asia and Oceania,
• Strategic Technologies,
• West Asia.

Among these centers, Armenia is included in Europe and Asia section. The center conducts research both by topic and by region. Special attention is paid to the key strategic importance of this geographical region. It is mainly focused on Russia, Central Asia and the European Union. The Ukrainian conflict is kept in the spotlight.

There are not many studies on Armenia. Armenia is mainly viewed in the regional context, as an ally of Russia or as a member of EAUE and CSTO, as well as in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Institute held a discussion  on “Armenian-Azerbaijani Conflict: Implications for Regional Security” in June 2023. “The South Caucasus Imbroglio: Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict” article mentions that India has superficial interests in the region, and it also notes that among the South Caucasus countries, Armenia has supported India over Kashmir issue, whereas Azerbaijan has supported the Turkey-Pakistan tandem. 

The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, among other functions, also organizes international seminars and conferences, hosts scholars and maintains ties with various research institutes of the world.

Usanas Foundation

U sanas Foundation operating under the motto “Decode, Diagnose, Demystify” is a state policy think tank. It is a non-profit NGO based in the city of Udaipur, Rajastan, India. The Foundation specializes in geopolitics and security issues, carries out interdisciplinary analyses. The goal is to support the decision-making process through analysis, forecasting and experience sharing. Analysts, diplomats, international relations scholars, philosophers, intelligence specialists, veterans of the armed forces and journalists with field experience are involved in the foundation’s team. The studies are mainly done according to the following regions: America, Eurasia, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Indo-Pacific and East Asia, South Asia.

Armenia is observed within Eurasia. The studies about our country were done mainly in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. There is a reference to the 44-Day War in 2020, as well as the policy of Turkey and Pakistan in the region. One of the articles notes that “India has far better cultural and trade relations with Armenia compared to political relations with Azerbaijan. Armenia has historical, cultural links with India going back to medieval ages.” India’s interest in the Caucasus from the point of view of the North-South international transport corridor is also emphasized.

Vivekananda International Foundation 

V ivekananda International Foundation is a New Delhi-based think tank, established by the joint efforts of Indian security experts, diplomats and philanthropists under the auspices of the Vivekananda Kendra Organization. The Foundation’s website notes that VIF is an independent, non-party organization, however, some sources associate it with the Indian Ministry of Defence.     

VIF’s stated objective is to create a stronger, safer and more prosperous India by promoting innovative ideas so that it can “play its mandated role in global affairs”. The center conducts research in several areas and accordingly has the following structure:

• National Security and Strategic Studies,   
• International Relations and Diplomacy
• Neighborhood Studies,
• Governance and Political Studies,
• Economic Studies,
• Historical and Civilizational Studies.

The Center for Neighborhood Studies focuses on the following countries: China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Shri Lanka. The Center for International Relations and Diplomacy studies global strategic issues, new trends in the international alignment of forces, India’s foreign policy.   

Although there are not many in-depth studies about Armenia, they also present India’s stance and strategic goals in relation to the South Caucasus region.

In particular, the opinion prevails that in the case of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan alliance, the activation of defense supplies between India and Armenia is of fundamental importance. It is also mentioned that Azerbaijan’s position on the Kashmir issue is a constant irritant for India, however, New Delhi adopted a balanced position on Nagorno-Karabakh. At the same time, the article “India and the South Caucasus” mentions, that Armenia is India’s closest partner in the South Caucasus, and it is also called upon to continue focusing on expanding the spheres of cooperation with Armenia. It is also noted that Armenia is the only country in the region with which India has a Friendship and Cooperation Treaty signed in 1995. This treaty prohibits India from providing military or any other assistance to Azerbaijan in case of the latter’s attack on Armenia. Armenia is often viewed in the context of Russia as an ally of Russia, a member of CSTO and EEU.   

Besides analytical and expert work, the Vivekananda International Foundation prepares policy briefs for the Indian authorities, organizes events, cooperates with the diplomatic corps, as well as foreign think tanks.

Thus, in the current geopolitical conditions, India is one of Armenia’s most important partners, and strengthening bilateral relations is now among Yerevan’s foreign policy priorities. It is also fixed in the RA Government program. India is an important partner for Armenia both in the political and economic, as well as in the military, cultural and educational spheres. The expert communities of both countries can also contribute to the dynamic development of bilateral cooperation in all these spheres.