India and Armenia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on medical product regulation, strengthening cooperation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare standards. Additionally, both nations signed another MoU on diplomatic cooperation between Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (India) and the Diplomatic School of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.
Key Highlights of MoU
The MoU was signed between India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and Armenia’s Center of Drug and Medical Technology Expertise (CDMTE).
Medical Product Regulation Agreement
- The MoU focuses on collaboration in medical product regulation, ensuring improved healthcare standards and pharmaceutical cooperation.
- Both nations will explore digital technologies and pharmaceutical advancements.
Bilateral Cooperation Review
- Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of India-Armenia bilateral ties, including: Political exchanges, People-to-people contacts, Trade and economics, Connectivity and Education and culture.
India-Armenia Relations
India and Armenia share historical and cultural ties dating back centuries.
- The first-ever Armenian journal in the world, Azardar, was published in Chennai (Madras) in 1774.
- India established diplomatic relations with Armenia in 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
- Diplomatic ties were formalized in 1992, and in 1999, the Indian Embassy in Yerevan started operations.
Defence Partnership & Broader Cooperation
Arms & Defence Cooperation:
- Armenia has emerged as the largest buyer of Indian weapon systems, marking a strategic shift in defence procurement.
- It is the first country to purchase India-made systems such as the Akash surface-to-air missile and the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher.
- India has signed multi-million dollar defence contracts to supply Armenia with: Howitzers, Anti-tank rockets and Anti-drone systems
Major Defence Deals:
- 2020: Armenia signed a $40 million deal with India for four SWATHI radars to detect enemy weapons.
- October 2022: India signed a major arms export deal with Armenia for missiles, rockets, and ammunition, including: Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher & Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)
Geopolitical Context:
- Armenia traditionally sourced weapons from Russia, but due to Russia’s engagement in Ukraine, it is now turning to India for defence supplies.
- Armenia is in conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, an enclave with a majority ethnic Armenian population.
- India supports Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, countering Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan, which back Azerbaijan militarily.
About Armenia
- Location: Landlocked country in the Transcaucasian region.
- Geopolitical Position: Geographically in Asia but has strong cultural ties with Europe. One of the earliest Christian civilizations.
- Formerly part of the Soviet Union, gained independence in 1991.
- Capital: Yerevan
- Currency: Dram