CDS Gen Chauhan visits Armenia, pays tribute at Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan is on a four-day official visit to Armenia , aimed at deepening defence and security cooperation and advancing shared strategic interests . The visit, which began on February 1 , marks a significant step in enhancing long-term bilateral military collaboration .

The Indian delegation was received in Yerevan by Nilakshi Saha Sinha , India’s Ambassador to Armenia, and Maj Gen Temur Shahnazaryan , Deputy Chief of the Armenian Armed Forces. Gen Chauhan was accorded a ceremonial welcome , including a Guard of Honour and military band display , reflecting the enduring friendship between India and Armenia, a country of around 2.94 million people .

During his visit, Gen Chauhan laid a wreath at the Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum , honouring the memory of 1.5 million Armenians who perished in the genocide carried out by the Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey) between 1915 and 1923. The memorial and museum stand as a poignant testament to human suffering, resilience, and the universal importance of remembrance, justice, and peace. While over 30 countries have officially recognised the Armenian Genocide, India has not formally done so, making the visit a gesture of diplomatic goodwill and historical respect.

From a strategic perspective, Armenia offers India a gateway to the South Caucasus , a region of growing geopolitical significance connecting Europe, Russia, and the Middle East . The country can support defence collaboration through joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and potential technology partnerships. Armenia’s expertise in military equipment, air defence systems, and surveillance technology, along with opportunities in IT, pharmaceuticals, mining, and agriculture, could also benefit India economically.

The HQ Integrated Defence Staff described the visit as a milestone in India-Armenia relations, signalling India’s commitment to values-driven diplomacy while promoting long-term strategic and defence collaboration.