India-Armenia Alliance: Strategic Payoff in Iran-Israel Crisis | Current Affairs

Why Armenia Was India’s Lifeline
Geographic Logic:
Iran’s borders with Pakistan/Turkey/Azerbaijan were closed to India (post-Operation Sindoor tensions).
Turkmenistan/Iraq routes were impractical (sparse infrastructure/active conflict zones).
Armenia’s Nurduz-Agarak border (44 km with Iran) offered a secure, highway-connected exit.
First Evacuation: 110+ students moved via Armenia (April 2024).

Strategic Foundations of India-Armenia Ties
Defense Partnership:
India is Armenia’s top arms supplier, surpassing Russia (2022).
Key exports under Make in India:
PINAKA rocket launchers
AKASH-1S air defense systems
Why it matters: Counters Turkey-Pakistan-Azerbaijan axis in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Diplomatic Alignment:
Armenia supports India on:
Kashmir (bilateral resolution with Pakistan).
UNSC permanent seat bid.
India backs Armenia’s sovereignty in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Economic Corridor:
Armenia anchors India’s INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) vision – linking India to Europe via Iran.

Nagorno-Karabakh: The Flashpoint
What: Disputed enclave between Armenia-Azerbaijan (internationally recognized as Azeri territory, but ethnic Armenian-majority).
Where: South Caucasus region (Map Work).
India’s Stance: Supports Armenia’s territorial integrity against Azeri-Turkish-Pakistani alliance.

Key Takeaways for Exams
Operation Sindhu: Proves India’s ability to leverage bilateral ties in crises.
Geostrategic Shift: Armenia helps India bypass hostile neighbors (Pakistan/Turkey).
Future Implications: INSTC development could reduce China’s Belt and Road influence.
 

Sample Q&A for Competitive Exams
Q: Which country facilitated India’s evacuation route during Operation Sindhu?
A: Armenia (via Nurduz-Agarak border crossing).
Q: Name two Indian defense systems exported to Armenia.
A: PINAKA rocket launchers and AKASH-1S air defense systems.
Q: What is the INSTC’s significance for India?
A: Creates India-Europe trade corridor via Iran-Armenia, boosting economic influence.
Q: Which regional grouping opposes Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh?
A: Turkey-Azerbaijan-Pakistan axis.
Q: Which UPSC paper covers India-Armenia bilateral relations?
A: GS-II (Bilateral/regional groupings).