Armenia has become the largest buyer of weapons from India in current financial year, according to several news agencies, citing governmental sources.
“Total volume of weapons purchases by Armenia from India reached $600 million by the start of current FY (financial year) 2024-25,” Indian Aerospace Defence News (IADN) stated on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday.
The Russian state-owned TASS news agency, meanwhile, reported on Tuesday that Armenia has emerged as India's largest weapons importer following agreements to purchase Pinaka multiple-launch rocket systems and Akash anti-aircraft systems. The report cited the Indian Finance Ministry.
Since the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh between Azerbaijan and Armenia, where India’s arch-foe Pakistan supported Azerbaijan, New Delhi and Yerevan have notably strengthened their military ties. Their extensive defense contracts reportedly include the delivery of Indian-made howitzers, anti-tank rockets, and anti-drone equipment to the Armenian army.
According to an Indian defense publication from last September, Armenia is scheduled to receive a total of 90 ATAGS howitzers within the next three years.
As of now, six of these units have already been delivered to the South Caucasus nation.
In May of this year, military officials from both countries convened in Yerevan for what the Armenian Defense Ministry described as the inaugural Indian-Armenian "defense consultations." They established a "working group" assigned to implement a joint action plan spanning 2024 and 2025. The scope of military cooperation includes not only arms supplies but also military education, tactical training, and experience sharing, as outlined by the ministry.
Armenia has traditionally relied on Russia as its primary source of weapons and ammunition. However, amidst escalating tensions with Moscow and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has strained Russian military resources, the Armenian government has actively sought alternative suppliers. Since last October, Yerevan has also finalized several arms agreements with French companies.
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