New Delhi/Yerevan: The fallout of Operation Sindoor continues to echo far past the subcontinent. In army circles from Central Asia to the Caucasus, India’s battlefield prowess is popping heads, and its weapons are gaining admirers.
Among the many most is Armenia, a nation scarred by battle, squeezed between regional hostilities and lengthy locked in tensions with its neighbour Azerbaijan. Now, in a transfer that indicators rising belief, a high Armenian army delegation has landed in Delhi. They’ve come to purchase.
The group is being led by Colonel Mher Israelian. They wish to study the capabilities of Indian-made AK-203 assault rifles. They’re India’s frontline sensors and assessing superior surveillance techniques developed totally at house. The journey marks one other step in a relationship that has matured considerably over current years.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have seen too many flashpoints. When tensions flare, Turkey often stands firmly with Azerbaijan. It offers weapons, help and generally even strategic cowl. For Armenia, this axis poses an ongoing risk. In response, Yerevan has turned east, in the direction of India.
Since 2020, Armenia has signed weapons contracts with India valued at over $2 billion. These are usually not token purchases. Armenia purchased the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, identified for unleashing fast and harmful volleys on enemy positions. They’ve additionally acquired the Akash air protection system, confirmed in reside battle, able to taking down low-flying drones and missiles.
Now, Armenia is receiving its second consignment of the Akash-1S. This supply follows a $720 million deal inked in 2022. Underneath that settlement, Armenia turned the primary overseas purchaser of the system, inserting an order for 15 full items. The primary battery was shipped in November 2024. The following is scheduled for dispatch post-July 2025.
The weapons are one a part of the equation. For Armenia, the necessity runs deeper. It needs greater than {hardware}. It seeks help in logistics, upkeep and coaching. On all these fronts, India is displaying willingness. Officers acquainted with the matter counsel discussions are underway for long-term collaboration, together with joint workshops and potential co-production.
There’s a payoff for India too. By means of Armenia, New Delhi good points a strategic foothold within the Caucasus, a area that bridges Europe and Central Asia. It’s also an area the place Turkey’s affect runs deep. With arms and partnerships, India is positioning itself as a counterweight.
Inside protection corridors in New Delhi, Operation Sindoor is now being seen as a pivot. Along with putting at Pakistan’s hidden property, it boosted confidence in Indian techniques. Armenia could have arrived first, however it won’t be the final.