A t the invitation of the Indian Usanas Geopolitical and Security Analytical Foundation, Johnny Melikyan, a senior expert from the Orbeli Analytical Center, presented his vision regarding the prospects for the development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and India, the complex situation in the South Caucasus and the possible formats and content of cooperation. 

In the context of political and economic relations, Melikyan referred to the deepening of bilateral ties, noting, that the fact that Armenia and India are democratic countries is an additional positive basis for this. Particular attention was paid to multilateral cooperation formats, such as India-Iran-Armenia and India-Armenia-Greece.



Referring to the Armenia-Iran-India format, Melikyan noted that it is unprecedented and important. Within this format, it was emphasized that it is important to be friends not to oppose anyone, but to be guided by one’s own interests.

In the context of regional problems, the expert singled out the positions and practices of Turkey and Azerbaijan, which are trying to resolve regional issues by force. In contrast to this way of working, Melikyan presented the Crossroads of Pease project and its prospects in ensuring stability in the region. The expert also noted that one of the main goals of Armenia is to have more diversified foreign relations and economy. 

Reference was also made to the role of Russia in the South Caucasus. The expert noted, that although Russia, based on its military and economic representation, has had, has and will continue to have influence in the region, the position and behavior of the Kremlin during the 44-day war in 2020 and its aftermath (including the occupation of the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia and the depopulation of Artsakh) have had a negative impact on the influence of Russia in the region. Armenia, as a member of all post-Soviet integration organizations and as a strategic ally of Russia, had other expectations of support from Russia that were unjustified.