In a development that has stirred tensions in the South Caucasus region, reports emerged of India supplying its indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers to Armenia via Iran. The move has sparked protests from Azerbaijan, Armenia's arch-rival, which is currently negotiating a peace agreement with the country. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region has led to sporadic clashes, and India's involvement in arming Armenia has added fuel to the fire.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Policy Advisor, Hikmet Hajiyev, expressed "serious concerns" to the Indian Ambassador in Azerbaijan about the expanding military cooperation between India and Armenia. He urged India to reconsider its decision on supplying lethal weapons to Armenia, stating that it could escalate the situation and hinder the establishment of lasting peace and security in the region.
Armenia's Defense Strengthening Efforts
Amid ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan, Armenia has turned to India for strengthening its defense capabilities. The country has made purchases of multiple military systems, including a mounted 155mm 39-caliber artillery system and the indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, anti-tank missiles, and ammunition. Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has met with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to expand defense cooperation further. Plans for more defense deals, including drones, counter-drone measures, loitering munitions, and mid-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, have been discussed.
Indirect Linkage: Armenia-Azerbaijan & India-Pakistan
Observers have noted an "indirect linkage" between the Armenia-Azerbaijan and India-Pakistan conflicts. Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan issued a joint statement in 2017, solidifying security cooperation and expanding military aid arrangements. Azerbaijan's deployment of Turkish drones in its conflict with Armenia and its potential talks with Pakistan to purchase the JF-17 fighter aircraft indicate growing ties between these countries.
As India continues its military cooperation with Armenia, the situation in the South Caucasus remains tense, and its actions could have broader implications for the geopolitical dynamics in the region. It remains to be seen how this development will play out and its impact on the delicate balance of power in the area.
