CDS Anil Chauhan Meets Armenian Leadership, Explores Ways to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Yerevan: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Tuesday held high-level discussions with Armenia’s Defence Minister Suren Papkyan, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation and addressing a range of shared security concerns between the two countries.

In a statement posted on X, the Headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS HQ) said that General Chauhan led the Indian delegation for an official meeting with the Armenian Defence Minister, during which both sides discussed ways to strengthen defence ties across multiple security-related areas of mutual interest.

During his visit, General Chauhan also addressed faculty members and students at Armenia’s National Defence Research University (NDRU), where he spoke on the evolving global security landscape, structural transformation in defence forces, and the growing role of technology as a key determinant of power.

According to IDS HQ, the CDS highlighted the changing character of warfare, with a special focus on the revolution in military affairs. He emphasised how emerging technologies are reshaping modern conflict, particularly as armed forces move towards multi-domain operations. He also discussed new domains of warfare, including cyber, electronic warfare (EW), space, and cognitive domains.

General Chauhan later met Lieutenant General Edward Asryan, Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, to explore further avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. IDS HQ noted that the interaction reflected a shared commitment to deepening the strategic partnership and promoting mutual capability development.

As part of his engagements, the CDS inaugurated an IT Laboratory and a Distance Learning Centre at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy of the Armed Forces of Armenia in Yerevan.

The Indian defence delegation, led by General Chauhan, arrived in Armenia on Sunday for a four-day official visit aimed at advancing shared strategic interests and strengthening long-term defence and security collaboration between the two nations.

The delegation was warmly received in Yerevan by Nilakshi Saha Sinha, Ambassador of India to Armenia, and Major General Temur Shahnazaryan, Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia.

On Monday, the Armenian Armed Forces accorded a ceremonial welcome to the CDS, including a Guard of Honour and a military band display. The Indian delegation expressed appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality, underscoring the growing friendship and cooperation between India and Armenia.

During the visit, General Chauhan also paid tribute at the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum in Yerevan, laying a wreath in memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives in the genocide. IDS HQ described the memorial and museum as a powerful reminder of human suffering, resilience, and the universal importance of remembrance, justice, and peace.

With inputs from IANS