Indian Defence Chief Visits Armenia to Deepen Strategic and Military Cooperation

Yerevan, Feb 2026 : A high-level Indian defence delegation led by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has arrived in Armenia on a four-day official visit aimed at further strengthening defence and security cooperation between the two countries. The visit is being seen as a significant step in expanding bilateral military engagement and reinforcing the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Yerevan.

According to a statement issued by the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) Headquarters, the Indian delegation reached the Armenian capital on Sunday local time. The visit reflects the shared commitment of both nations to advance long-term defence collaboration and align their strategic interests in an increasingly complex global security environment.

“The visit marks an important step in taking forward shared strategic interests and enhancing long-term defence and security collaboration between the two nations,” the IDS Headquarters said, highlighting the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation at the highest military levels.

On arrival in Yerevan, General Chauhan and the accompanying delegation were warmly received by India’s Ambassador to Armenia, Nilakshi Saha Sinha, along with the Deputy Chief of the Armenian Armed Forces, Major General Temur Shahnazaryan. The reception underscored the deepening defence ties between the two countries and signalled Armenia’s keen interest in expanding military cooperation with India.

The timing of the visit is particularly significant, coming shortly after a major milestone in India–Armenia defence relations. Just two weeks ago, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the first consignment of guided Pinaka rockets to Armenia. The advanced rocket systems are being manufactured by Pune-based Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), marking another success for India’s indigenous defence manufacturing sector.

Armenia had signed a contract worth approximately Rs 2,000 crore in September 2022 for the procurement of four Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system batteries. The deal includes a range of variants, covering unguided, extended-range and guided versions of the Pinaka system. Notably, Armenia became the first international customer for the Pinaka rocket launcher, which has been developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

This agreement represented a landmark moment in India’s defence export journey and aligned with the government’s broader push for Aatmanirbharta, or self-reliance, in defence production. It also reinforced India’s ambition to emerge as a credible and competitive defence exporter in the global market.

Deliveries of the initial batch of unguided Pinaka rocket systems began in July 2023 and were completed by late 2024, laying the groundwork for subsequent consignments of more advanced guided variants.

Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had described the export of Pinaka systems as a reflection of the growing strength, capability and maturity of India’s defence industry. He noted that such exports demonstrated India’s expanding global footprint and underlined the country’s transition from being a major defence importer to a rising exporter on the world stage.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)