ARMENIA-INDIA BILATERAL RELATIONS – An Overview

1. Events/facts of historical and cultural significance in Indo-Armenian relations.

Contacts between India and Armenia go back over 2,000 years, with evidence of an Indian community in Armenia in the 5th century BC. The first recorded visit is that of Armenian trader Thomas Cana who reached the Malabar Coast in 780 AD. The first guidebook to Indian cities in Armenian was written in the 12th century. By the middle ages, the Armenian towns of Artashat, Metsbin and Dvin had become important centres for barter with India which exported precious stones, herbs and textiles to Armenia, and obtained hides and dyes. Emperor Akbar is supposed to have married an Armenian woman (Mariama) and appointed an Armenian doctor to his household and an Armenian Chief Justice. In the 16th century, Armenian communities emerged in Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Agra, where the first Armenian Church was consecrated in 1562. There is an Armenian Street in Chennai while the Armenian Church of Holy Mother is an important landmark. The Armenian community of Kolkata runs the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy. A special Armenian postage stamp in 1994 marked the 200th anniversary of the founding in Chennai of “Azdarar”, the first Armenian journal in the world. In 1773 (when Armenia did not even exists as a geographical entity) Shahamir Shahamirian, a leading Armenian nationalist in Madras published his vision of a future Armenian nation (“Trap of Vanities”). Ms. Gauhar Jan of Armenian origin was the first recorded Indian classical singer. These traditional historical and cultural links have produced a vast reservoir of goodwill and warmth for India. During the Soviet era, President Dr. S Radhakrishnan (September 1964) and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (June 1976) visited the Armenian Socialist Republic. India recognized Armenia on December 26, 1991, three months after its declaration of independence. Protocols on the establishment of Diplomatic and Consular Relations were signed on 31 August 1992. A resident Indian mission opened in Yerevan on 01 March 1999. The first resident Ambassador assumed charge in October 1999. An Armenian Honorary Consulate opened in New Delhi in April 1994 and the Embassy in October 1999, with the first resident Ambassador arriving in May 2000. Armenia opened an Honorary Consulate in Mumbai in 2005.

2. Political relations

The two countries share excellent political relations; they support each other on international forums. India believes the Nagorno Karabakh (NK) conflict should be resolved peacefully. Armenia fully supports India’s stand that the Kashmir issue should be resolved bilaterally within the framework of the Shimla Agreement and endorses India’s permanent membership of the UNSC. Armenia condemned Pakistan for ‘reciprocal tests’ and has a deep admiration for our scientific and technological progress including in the nuclear field. Regular foreign office consultations are held under a 1993 Protocol with the fourth session on 19 January 2007 in New Delhi. Indo-Armenian Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological, Cultural and Educational Co-operation was established in September 1997.  At the fourth session of the IGC held in New Delhi in January 2007, several bilateral issues including business, culture, health, and setting up of an IT Centre in Armenia were discussed. Fifth IGC is scheduled to be held in Yerevan in the first half of 2009.

3. Bilateral Agreements/treaties

1) Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Armenia (31.8.1992, Moscow); 2) Protocol on the Establishment of Consular Relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Armenia (31.8.1992-Moscow); 3)Protocol on Consultations between Ministry of External Affairs of India and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia (11.3.1993-Delhi); 4) Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation (11.3.1993-Delhi); 5) Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology (25.3.1994-Delhi); 6) Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (14.12.1995-Delhi); 7) Agreement on Cooperation in Culture, Arts, Tourism, Sports and Mass-Media (14.12.1995-Delhi); 8) Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation (14.12.1995-Delhi); 9) Air Services Agreement (5.12.2000-Delhi); 10) Agreement between the Bureau of Indian Standards and Department for Standardisation, Metrology and Certification of Armenia in Standardization, Certification and Accreditation (26.7.2001-Yerevan); 11) Exchange programme in the field of Education (3.10.2002-Delhi); 12) MoU on Cooperation in Science and Technology between Armenian national Academy of Science and Indian National Science Academy (18.10.2002-Delhi); 13) Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (23.05.2003-Delhi); 14) Cultural Exchange Programme for 2003-06 (23.05.2003-Delhi); 15) MoU on Defence Cooperation(23.05.2003-Delhi); 16) MoU on Cooperation in Information Technology & Services (31.10.03-Delhi); 17) Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (31.10.03-Delhi); 18) Agreement on exemption of visa requirement for diplomatic passport holders (31.10.03-Delhi).

4. Bilateral visits

(a)   From India: 

Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Digvijay Singh (July 2003) was the first ever Indian Minister to visit Armenia (he met the President and five Ministers). Joint Secretary (Eurasia) visited Armenia in May 2004 and met several top officials.

In October, 2005, Vice President of India Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat led a delegation of Members of Parliament, senior officials and representatives of the media to Yerevan.  Vice President met with President, PM, FM and held bilateral discussions with Chairman of the National Assembly of Armenia.  The Yerevan State Medical University honoured Vice President with a Doctorate.

Shri Kanti Lal Bhuria, Minister of State for Agriculture visited Armenia in July 2007.  He participated in the first International Apricot Conference held in Yerevan on 5-6 July 2007. 

Smt. Shiela Dikishit, Chief Minister of Delhi visited Yerevan from 4-6 September 2007 on the invitation of Mayor of Yerevan. She called on the Prime Minister and also met the Mayor of Yerevan, Chairman of National Assembly and Minister of Education and Sciences

(b)  From Armenia:

Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrossian visited India in December 1995 and signed a Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation and an Agreement on Trade and Economic Co-operation. Armenian Minister of Science and Higher Education, Vardges Gnuni, visited India in March 1994. An 8-member Parliamentary delegation led by the Chairman of the National Assembly visited India in December 1996. Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian travelled to India in December 2000 (the first official visit by an Armenian Foreign Minister to India) and called on Prime Minister. He reaffirmed Armenia’s endorsement of India's position and reiterated Armenia’s support for India’s candidature for UNSC permanent membership. Armenia has formally committed support for the G-4 resolution on UNSC expansion. Oskanian and EAM signed a bilateral Air Services Agreement. Armenia’s Minister for Education and Science traveled to India in October 2002 and the Deputy Foreign Minister in May 2003 (for the third Intergovernmental Commission). 

Accompanied by a high-level business delegation and four Ministers, President Robert Kocharian (and Mrs. Kocharian) visited India (Agra, Delhi, Chandigarh) from 29 October-1 November 2003. Three bilateral agreements were signed, while the Joint Statement reaffirmed Armenia’s support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC. India offered a grant of US$ 5mn, and an increase in ITEC slots to 50 (from 10). The President addressed a well-attended business forum jointly organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). In Chandigarh the President inaugurated Asia’s first Centre for Caucasian Study besides interacting with local business leaders. 

From December 4 to 11, 2005, Armenian Minister for Education and Science Mr. Sergo Yeritsyan visited India at the invitation of our HRD Minister. An Armenian parliamentary delegation led by The Chairman of the National Assembly Tigran Torosyan visited India from 13-17 December 2006.

Mayor of Yerevan Mr. Yervand Zakharyan visited India September 2008 on the invitation of the Chief Minister of Delhi.  A street near Armenian Embassy in Delhi was re-named as ‘Armenian Street” during the visit.

His Holiness Catholicos Kararekin II visited India in November 2008 to take part in tricentenry celebrations of the Holy Nazareth Church in Kolkata.  Apart from Kolkata, he also traveled to Delhi.

First Deputy Minister of Agriculture Mr. Samvel Avetisyan and Deputy Minister of Economy Mr. Mushegh Tumasyan, along with a large business delegation from Armenia visited Delhi to participate in the First India-Armenia Business Forum on December 1-2, 2008.  The Business Forum was jointly organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Delhi and Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  The visiting Ministers met with the Minister of State for External Affairs Shri E Ahmed and Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles Shri A K Singh.

5. Commercial and Economic relations

India’s official trade with independent Armenia though insignificant is growing steadily.  It has registered a ten-fold increase in the past six year from In 2008, the trade registered a growth.  Indian exports consist of foodstuffs (meat), electrical equipment, optical equipment, plastics, pharmaceuticals and other chemical goods and cars, while Armenia’s exports include non-ferrous metals, raw- rubber, books and textiles.  The Rosyblue Group of Mumbai has two diamond cutting and polishing units in Armenia.

The sectors in which Armenia seeks India’s assistance are small and medium industries (including light engineering), information technology, agriculture (rain water harvesting, buffalo breeding, poultry farming, and dry land farming) and science and technology (including health).

First India-Armenia Business Forum was held in New Delhi from 1-2 December 2008.  The event was jointly organized by the Armenian Embassy in New Delhi and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).  Armenia’s Deputy Economy Minister and First Agriculture Minister led the Armenian delegation.  Cooperation in the field of agriculture, food and textiles industry was discussed during the visit.

(In US$ million)

(Source: National Statistical Service of Armenia)

6. S & T Relations

Armenia’s Minister of Education and Science visited India in October 2002 and signed an Exchange Program on Cooperation in Education as well as MoU on Cooperation in Science and Technology for 2003-2005. MoUs between Yerevan State Medical University and Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi (National Open) Universities were also signed. The President of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) visited India in October 2002 and signed a MoU on scientific cooperation with the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). Under a MoU in between ANAS and INSA, the first Armenian scientist went to India in January 2003. Armenian National Survey for Seismic Protection team participated in the rescue operations after the January 2001 Gujarat earthquake.

7. Major Indian Projects

The Rosyblue group of companies led by Mr. Harshad Mehta, Honorary Consulate of Armenia in Mumbai has invested in two diamond cutting and polishing units and is the only major Indian project in Armenia

8. Training Programmes under ITEC and other Schemes

India has been offering 30 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots to Armenia every year. The courses are very popular amongst Armenian nationals and all slots are fully utilized.  Armenian diplomats have also availed of slots in the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats at Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) also offers two scholarship slots under the General Cultural Scholarship Scheme (GCSS) to Armenian nationals.  The slots are being used and Armenian nationals show great interest in going to India for studies.  Slots have also been offered in the study of Yoga and Ayurveda.

Armenian nationals are offered scholarship by the Kendriya Hindi Sangsthan in Agra to study Hindi every year. 

9. Details of Indian credit Lines / Official Assistance

Following the catastrophic earthquake in Soviet Armenia in 1988, a special Prime Minister's Armenia Earthquake Relief Fund was constituted in India, which donated US$ 2.2mn and US$ 1.1mn relief supplies. An Indian medical team visited Armenia for relief work. Mother Teresa visited Armenia in December 1988, and set up a still functioning orphanage in the earthquake-hit city of Spitak. In 1994-95, India donated two consignments of medicines as humanitarian assistance to Armenia for the persons affected by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In response to a request by Armenia’s Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan following the summer 2000 drought in Armenia, we gifted 750 MT of wheat and 250 MT of rice in February 2002. In August, 2006, Mother Teresa’s organization has set up in Yerevan a home for abandoned and orphan babies.

In October 2003 we announced a grant of US$ 5 million and in February 2004 included Armenia among countries eligible for soft loans under the India Development Initiative. On the request of the Armenian Government, the Government of India approved this grant to be utilized for the purchase of tractors from India. The delivery of 300 tractors under this grant was completed in November 2006.

10. Cultural Troupes (Incoming /Outgoing)

ICCR-sponsored troupes visited Armenia regularly since 2002.  Their performances were appreciated by the local population.  They visited in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2009.  ICCR also hosted performances in several Indian cities by a professional Armenian troupe during the President’s visit in October/November 2003.  In September, 2006 a 16-member ICCR- sponsored classical dance and music troupe participated in the celebration of Armenia’s 15 years of independence.  A 10-member cultural troupe visited Armenia from 14-22 March, 2009 and performed in various cities of Armenia including Yerevan.  The troupe comprised a 5-member Kuchipudi dance group and a 4-member classical vocal group.

11. Indian students in Armenia

There are nearly 500 Indian students in Armenia; most of them are studying medicine.   

12. Air-links with India and travel routes

There is no direct flight between Yerevan and Delhi. The convenient connections are via Dubai, Moscow and London. Air-Arabia, which started its operation from Yerevan to various Indian cities via Sharjah in 2008 stopped flying on Yerevan-Sharjah sector, from January, 2009.

13. Links to local organizations dealing with India

1.       Small and Medium Entrepreneurship National Center of Armenia,

          www.smednc.am Email: rshtmart@smednc.am

2.       Union of Manufacturers & Businessmen (Employers) of Armenia

          Yerevan  (Email: umba@arminco.com   )

3.       Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Yerevan

          Email: yercci@arminco.com

4.       Armenian Union of Small Business Entrepreneurs

Lori Branch, Vanadzor

Email: arman@yandex.ru

5.       Association of Jewellers and Diamond Manufacturers of Armenia,

          0023, Yerevan, Arshakunyats Ave. 12

          (Tel:  374-10 - 563893, Fax: 525713)

          (Email:  goldjew@armencell.am,   goldjew@web.am )

6.       Armenian Development Agency     

          Tel: +374-10-570170/577760

          Fax: +374-10-542272

          E-mail: info@ada.am

www.ada.am

14. Estimated NRI/PIO Population

Apart from a sizeable number of Indian medical students, there are very few Indian citizens here.  There is no association of Indian nationals in Armenia. There is only one Indian restaurant in Yerevan.

15. Address/Contact details of Indian Mission:

Embassy of India,

50/2, Dzorapi Street,

Yerevan-375019,

Armenia

Ph: 00-374-10-539173/4/5,

Fax: 00-374-10-533984/539170

Email: hocl@embassyofindia.am; commercial@embassyofindia.am; ambassador_office@embassyofindia.am

Website: www.indianembassy.am