New Delhi: Azerbaijan has voiced concern over India’s expanding defence partnership with Armenia, objecting to New Delhi’s supply of military equipment to Yerevan as bilateral defence ties continue to grow, international media reported .
According to the media reports the criticism follows Armenia’s display of Indian-made defence systems, including the Akash air defence system, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and ATAGS artillery guns, during a military parade in Yerevan last month. According to reports, Baku described the move as escalatory and raised objections to India’s defence exports.
Reports indicated that since 2022, Armenia has emerged as one of India’s key defence partners, signing contracts reportedly worth nearly USD 2 billion for platforms such as the Pinaka rocket system, Akash missile system, ATAGS artillery guns and Swathi weapon-locating radars. Reports also suggest that discussions are underway regarding the possible acquisition of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile as Armenia seeks to strengthen its long-range deterrence capabilities.
The developments come against the backdrop of longstanding geopolitical differences. Azerbaijan has consistently supported Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir issue at various international forums, while Pakistan has backed Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute. Turkey, a close ally of both Azerbaijan and Pakistan, has also maintained defence cooperation with the two countries.
The issue has once again highlighted the strategic alignments emerging in the region, with India’s growing defence engagement with Armenia drawing attention amid evolving geopolitical equations in the South Caucasus and South Asia.