Armenia and India Strengthen Ties as Global Challenges Evolve: A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations and Connectivity

From September 9 to September 11, 2024, Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is home to the prestigious Yerevan Dialogue, a major international conference bringing together key figures in politics, academia, civil society, and business. The conference aimed to explore solutions to some of the most pressing global issues, as well as opportunities for collaboration between nations. This gathering has positioned Armenia at the forefront of international dialogue, emphasizing its strategic significance as a connector between regions.

During this event, Samir Saran, President of India’s Observer Research Foundation (ORF), shared his insights in an interview with The Armenian Report. He spotlighted the importance of Armenia’s geography and the potential for cooperation between countries in various fields such as trade, transportation, and technology.

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Armenia’s Strategic Importance in the 21st Century

Saran began by praising Armenia’s unique geographical position, which he described as "the crossroads of the world." He emphasized how Armenia's location between the East, West, North, and South gives it an advantage in the 21st century, particularly as the economies of the Global South continue to grow.

Saran noted, “This region is critical for connecting the vibrant and emerging economies of the South with the markets and populations in the North, especially in Europe and the Atlantic.” He said that Armenia, with its rich historical connections, must continue to play its role as a bridge between cultures and nations, shaping new global rules for peace, growth, and stability. The Yerevan Dialogue, he explained, provides a platform for such discussions, bringing together experts from different regions to explore the future.

Armenia’s Role in Global Connectivity

Touching on transportation and connectivity, Saran praised Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's vision for regional infrastructure development, which was outlined during the conference. Armenia, according to Saran, is poised to become a hub for multi-modal transportation networks connecting Europe, Asia, and beyond.

“India is actively seeking new ways to connect its businesses and manufacturing sectors to the world. The North-South Corridor through Iran is one such route, and Armenia is well-positioned to be a key player in this network,” Saran said. He also said that India, as it grows economically, is looking for opportunities to enhance its connectivity to global markets. Armenia, due to its location and the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations, is viewed as a potential partner in this endeavor.

Armenia-India Relations: A Growing Partnership

When asked about Armenia’s growing ties with India, Saran expressed optimism about the deepening partnership between the two nations. He described the relationship as being built on "trust and shared strategic interests." 

Saran pointed out that India and Armenia have made significant progress in their bilateral relations over the last decade, particularly in areas such as technology, agriculture, and climate-smart practices. He also mentioned that Armenia’s advancements in smart agriculture could provide valuable insights for India as it seeks solutions to its own challenges in food security.

Baku’s Perspective and Regional Tensions

In response to a question about Azerbaijan and its potential concerns regarding Armenia's growing cooperation with India, Saran remained neutral. He acknowledged that Azerbaijan, like all nations, has its own interests but suggested that the region's future should be shaped by positive agendas rather than negative rivalries. He expressed hope that all actors in the region, including Azerbaijan, would recognize the benefits of connectivity projects that could bring prosperity to everyone.

“I’m sure Baku will benefit from these arrangements. Positivity must shape the future, not negativity,” he added, stressing that all countries in the region could find value in collaborative projects rather than focusing on tensions or conflicts.

Armenia and India: More Cooperation Ahead

One of the key themes of Saran’s interview was the need for increased people-to-people exchanges between Armenia and India. While noting that many Indians have come to Armenia for education, business, and politics, he stated that this was just the beginning. Saran advocated for even more robust exchanges between the two nations, encouraging more Armenians to explore opportunities in India and vice versa.

“Armenia and India need to deepen their relationships not just through business, but also by fostering more personal and cultural ties,” Saran remarked. He expressed his hope that more Armenians would choose to live, study, and invest in India, just as Indian businesses continue to establish roots in Armenia.

The Future of Armenia-India Relations

Saran concluded the interview by reiterating that the partnership between Armenia and India is built on a strong foundation of trust and shared values. He called for continued collaboration in various sectors, including technology, agriculture, and transportation, stating that these areas are "win-win" opportunities for both nations.

As Armenia continues to position itself as a hub for global connectivity, its partnership with India will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of both countries, and potentially the broader region.