The relationship between Armenia and India, rooted in deep civilizational connections, is now entering a promising and transformative phase. In a recent interview with CivilNet, our Co-Founder and Secretary General, Mr. Rananjay Anand, shared his insights on how Armenia–India relations have evolved over the past 15 years — and why this moment presents a rare opportunity to elevate it to a truly strategic partnership.
From Historic Roots to Modern Relevance
Armenia and India are no strangers to each other. Centuries ago, Armenian merchants were present in the Indian subcontinent, establishing one of the earliest forms of East-West trade and cultural exchange. That historical legacy continues to inspire goodwill, but as Mr. Anand notes, the practical foundations for strong bilateral cooperation only began to materialize in recent years.
The period following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war marked a turning point. Armenia’s geopolitical realignment, coupled with India’s growing assertiveness in regional affairs — including public backlash against Azerbaijan and Turkey due to their support for Pakistan — created new diplomatic and economic openings. Public sentiment in India shifted noticeably in Armenia’s favor, which led to a spike in interest among Indian tourists, investors, and business leaders.
Unlocked Potential, But Barriers Remain
Today, Armenia offers Indian companies a cost-effective and strategically located hub to access both the Eurasian Economic Union and European markets. With favorable taxation policies and a rising reputation for safety and stability, Armenia is increasingly seen as a gateway to wider opportunities.
Yet, as Mr. Anand highlighted, infrastructure gaps — especially the absence of direct flights — remain a major obstacle. “Without direct air connectivity,” he said, “we are limiting the scope of our cooperation, despite the goodwill on both sides.” Fortunately, plans are underway for the launch of direct flights in 2025, a development that could significantly boost both trade and tourism.
Strategic Sectors for Collaboration
While defense cooperation remains one of the most visible dimensions of the Armenia–India partnership, Mr. Anand emphasized the untapped potential in a range of other sectors:
- Information Technology and Cybersecurity
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Distribution
- Agro-business and Food Processing
- Tourism and Hospitality Development
- Education and Skill Development Initiatives
With India expected to have over 50 million outbound tourists by 2030, even capturing a small portion of that market could transform Armenia’s tourism sector. Moreover, Indian tech companies and pharmaceutical firms are increasingly looking abroad for investment-friendly environments — and Armenia is positioned to meet that demand.
Building People-to-People Ties
An equally important but often overlooked component of bilateral relations is cultural and social engagement. For decades, mutual understanding between the two nations was limited to pop culture and isolated interactions. But in recent years, civil society organizations, diaspora communities, and media outlets have expanded the scope of this exchange. The result is a deepening of mutual respect, awareness, and cooperation at the grassroots level.
AIBC’s Role in Shaping the Future
As Mr. Anand stated in the interview, the Armenia-India Business Council (AIBC) is committed to playing a central role in this journey. By facilitating business matchmaking, offering policy support, and working to remove bureaucratic and logistical bottlenecks, AIBC aims to convert opportunity into tangible results.
“Now is the time to act,” Mr. Anand said. “The goodwill is real, the interest is growing, and the geopolitical landscape favors deeper cooperation. But unless we act strategically — and together — this momentum could fade.”
Looking Ahead
At this pivotal moment, the future of Armenia–India relations depends on coordinated efforts from both governments and the private sector. Infrastructure investments, direct air links, streamlined trade facilitation, and cultural exchange must all be pursued deliberately.
With shared values, complementary economies, and a strong foundation of historical friendship, Armenia and India have everything it takes to build a robust, multidimensional partnership — not only for today, but for decades to come.
Watch the full CivilNet podcast interview here: