Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan arrived in Armenia on February 1, 2026, for a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and advancing strategic ties between the two nations. The visit underscores India’s growing engagement with Armenia in the field of defence and security.
General Chauhan was received in Yerevan by India’s Ambassador to Armenia, Nilakshi Saha Sinha, and Major General Temur Shahnazaryan, Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces of Armenia. The warm reception highlighted the importance both countries attach to the partnership.
During the visit, General Chauhan is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with Armenian defence leadership to discuss avenues for expanding military collaboration, including defence technology transfers, training programmes, and joint exercises. The talks are expected to focus on enhancing operational readiness and addressing regional security challenges.
India and Armenia have recently deepened defence cooperation, with Armenia becoming the first export customer of DRDO’s Pinaka rocket system. The initial consignment was delivered in late 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence exports. Additional agreements covering guided Pinaka rockets, radar systems, and training exchanges are also under discussion.
The visit carries strategic importance given Armenia’s geographical proximity to Iran and the wider Caucasus region. Analysts note that India’s engagement with Armenia reflects its broader effort to strengthen partnerships in Eurasia and balance regional power dynamics.
General Chauhan’s visit is expected to reaffirm India’s role as a reliable defence partner while opening new avenues for cooperation in defence manufacturing, technology, and strategic planning. The outcomes of the visit are likely to shape the trajectory of India–Armenia defence relations in the coming years.
