First Reception dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Army was held in New Delhi

25 March, 2026

On 25 March, an official reception dedicated to the 34th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Army was held in New Delhi for the first time.

In his address to the attendees, H.E. Vahagn Afyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia, referring to the foreign policy priority of Armenia aimed at deepening the de facto strategic partnership with India, noted that the long-term, forward-looking, and the sustained cooperation between the two countries is on an upward trajectory, including in the field of defence. The Ambassador emphasized that, particularly in recent years, there has been a notable expansion of cooperation in military-technical areas, professional military education, institutional dialogue, and exchanges between defence establishments. Referring to high-level sectoral meetings, the Ambassador highlighted the mutual visits of the Minister of Defence of Armenia and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, as well as regular contacts established in various formats. At the same time, it was noted that Armenia continues to implement a comprehensive defence reform program aimed at strengthening the effectiveness and resilience of its armed forces. It was underlined that these reforms are defensive in nature and are carried out within the framework of a commitment to peace and stability, as well as a balanced and balancing foreign policy. It was also noted that in recent years, significant investments and reforms undertaken by the Government of Armenia are aimed at ensuring the country’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and the inviolability of its borders. The Ambassador also highly appreciated the role and activities of resident defense attachés in both countries for more than a year.

Lieutenant General Vineet Gaur, Director General of Capability Development of the Ministry of Defence of India, who attended the reception as the Chief Guest, in his remarks underscored the importance of bilateral military-technical cooperation and emphasized the need of taking further steps toward its deepening.

Colonel Arkadi Tonoyan, Defence Attaché of Armenia in India, in his remarks referred to the formation process of the Armenian Armed Forces and the ongoing reforms. As a cornerstone of transformation, he highlighted the development and continuous improvement of military education and professional training, as well as the modernization and diversification of defence equipment and capabilities. The Colonel also mentioned Armenia’s continued participation in a number of international peacekeeping missions, and among the expanding international defense partnerships, emphasized the growing defense cooperation between Armenia and India.

The reception was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of the Republic of India, foreign Ambassadors and Defense Attachés, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Armenian community.

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