Indian Foreign Minister Arrives in Armenia

The Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has arrived in Armenia. The spokesperson of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vahan Hunanyan, announced on his Facebook page that he was welcomed at the airport by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

This is Jaishankar's first visit to Armenia. On August 31, 1992, a memorandum was signed between Armenia and India regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations. The resident embassies of both countries have been operational since 1999. The Ambassador of Armenia to India is Yuri Babakhanyan (since March 15, 2021), while the Ambassador of India to Armenia is Kishan Dan Deval (since August 2019).

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, 34 documents have been signed between Armenia and India, with another 7 currently under discussion. The agreement on friendship and cooperation between Armenia and India was signed on December 14, 1995, in New Delhi. On May 23, 2003, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of defense was signed between the Ministries of Defense of Armenia and India.

There is a significant track record of political dialogue and high-level communication and exchange of visits between Armenia and India. From January to August 2021, the trade turnover between Armenia and India amounted to approximately $105.3 million, with Armenia's exports totaling $72.4 million.

India is one of the three founding countries of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) Agreement (including the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia), aimed at improving and developing transportation between member states. Armenia joined the intergovernmental Agreement on the International North-South Transport Corridor on April 13, 2006.

An effective experience of mutual assistance and joint work has been formed between the governments of Armenia and India in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. India co-sponsored the resolution initiated by Armenia for the commemoration and dignity of the victims of genocide and the declaration of an international day for the prevention of such crimes, presented at the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 11, 2015.