- Thread starter Raj Basu
Following the border conflict in September 2022, Armenia sought to protect its territorial integrity by acquiring modern weaponry.
Papikyan noted that India’s bold decision to supply essential defensive systems shattered international reluctance, setting a precedent that other nations could legitimately provide military equipment to Armenia.
With prior weapons orders from Russia remaining unfulfilled despite advance payments, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasised the need for urgent diversification.
The diplomatic breakthrough during the October 2022 Prague process, where Armenia and Azerbaijan mutually recognised each other’s borders, further accelerated Yerevan’s quest for reliable defence partners.
Consequently, Armenia effectively suspended its active participation in the CSTO proceedings and turned toward new geopolitical allies.
India rapidly emerged as Armenia’s largest new defence supplier, fulfilling a massive military modernization requirement.
The extensive procurement portfolio from Indian manufacturers includes Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), MArG 155mm wheeled self-propelled howitzers, and Swathi weapon locating radars.
Furthermore, Armenia has bolstered its airspace protection by acquiring the Akash-1S air-defence system and advanced counter-drone technologies from India.
Global security analysts estimate that recent defence contracts between New Delhi and Yerevan are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, marking a major milestone in their bilateral relations.
India’s willingness to export these critical systems provided both the justification and the momentum for other global powers to reconsider unwritten restrictions on arms sales to Armenia.
Analysts from the Swedish Institute of International Affairs and other regional think tanks have noted that France quickly followed suit, becoming Armenia’s principal Western security partner.
Paris has since signed contracts to supply advanced military hardware, including CAESAR self-propelled howitzers.
Ultimately, India’s initial involvement acted as the cornerstone of Armenia’s new multi-aligned defence doctrine, ensuring the nation can secure its borders while navigating a complex regional security environment.
—
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Christine Harutyunian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2026/09/29/armenia-credits-indian-arms-deal-for-breaking-global-reluctance-to-supply-esse/