How Did The Tiny Nation of Armenia Become India's Largest Arms Importer? | Explainer

Last Updated:October 29, 2024, 14:38 IST

India's arms sales to Armenia will strengthen its economy and signify a strategic alliance aimed at expanding influence in the geopolitically crucial South Caucasus region

Pinaka systems will effectively enhance Armenia's artillery capabilities, giving it a strategic edge in mountainous regions like Nagorno-Karabakh. (News18 Hindi)

Armenia, a relatively small country in Europe, has become India’s largest arms importer. Due to the growing defence ties between the two countries, India’s defence exports reached an all-time high in financial year 2023-24, which is around Rs 21,083 crore (about $2.63 billion). This is 32.5 per cent more than in 2022-23.

A Finance Ministry report stated that Armenia has become the largest importer of weapons from India after deals for the Pinaka multiple-launch rocket system and the Akash anti-aircraft system materialised. The report also said that by the beginning of the current financial year 2024-25, the total purchase of weapons by Armenia from India reached $600 million.

How Did Armenia Bring Down Its Arms Import Dependence On Russia?

Armenia has long been dependent on Russia for weapons and defence equipment. Between 2011 and 2020, Armenia imported 94% of its total weapons from Russia. This included advanced systems such as Iskander missile systems, Su-30SM fighter jets, air defence systems and multiple rocket launchers. In a way, Russia has been the backbone of Armenia’s military capability for decades.

However, after the Nagorno-Karabakh war with Azerbaijan in 2020, Armenia began to lose trust in Russia. This was because Russia did not help Armenia in the war in the way that it expected.

Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had then publicly said, without naming Russia, “Our allies have failed to deliver weapons to Armenia despite having contracts in the last two years…” Since then, Pashinyan has adopted a cold attitude towards Moscow. Following this, Armenia started looking for alternative partners for its defence needs and turned to India.

An important partnership between India and Armenia began in 2020 with Armenia signing defence deals worth $2 billion with India. This led to relations between the two countries getting stronger year after year. Armenia has been buying advanced weapons from India, given the threat from its neighbours, especially Azerbaijan.

What weapons does Armenia buy from India?

Pinaka Multi-Launch Rocket System: Renowned for its range and accuracy, Pinaka systems will effectively enhance Armenia’s artillery capabilities, giving Armenia a strategic edge in mountainous regions like Nagorno-Karabakh.

Akash-1S Air Defence Missile System: Armenia placed an order for $720 million for 15 Akash-1S systems in 2022. This was the first international sale of this air defence system developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited, which is to be delivered this year. Akash-1S will enable Armenia to effectively defend itself against air threats, such as fighter aircraft, guided missiles and drones.

Dornier-228 surveillance aircraft: The supply of Dornier-228 aircraft will enhance Armenia’s reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, allowing it to monitor and control its airspace more effectively.

Other important military hardware: India has also supplied Armenia with anti-tank guided rockets, bullet-proof jackets, night-vision goggles, artillery and ammunition, small arms and advanced weapon-locating radars. These systems collectively provide Armenia with a more modern defence system.

Balancing Influence of Pakistan And Turkey

By selling weapons to Armenia, India is not only becoming economically strong, but the partnership of the two countries is part of a broader geopolitical strategy aimed at increasing its influence in the South Caucasus and balancing the influence of Pakistan and Turkey, which have close ties with Azerbaijan.

During the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, Pakistan openly supported Azerbaijan, indicating a close trilateral alliance between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Pakistan. India’s partnership with Armenia thus serves as a natural balance to this alliance and makes India a key supporter of Armenia’s security interests.

India has also been active in trilateral dialogue with Armenia and Iran and has developed strategic synergies with Armenia and France.

Armenia

News world How Did The Tiny Nation of Armenia Become India's Largest Arms Importer? | Explainer