What Did India and Armenia Discuss at the 11th FOC in Yerevan?
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Synopsis
In a significant diplomatic meeting, India and Armenia engaged in extensive discussions at the 11th Foreign Office Consultations in Yerevan. This gathering not only addressed bilateral relations but also focused on pressing regional and global issues, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to their longstanding friendship.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened bilateral relations between India and Armenia.
- Focus on public health collaboration.
- Next FOC scheduled for 2026 in India.
- Commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
- Recent high-level engagements reaffirmed ties.
Yerevan, Nov 8 (NationPress) The 11th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) took place in Yerevan, where representatives from India and Armenia engaged in discussions covering a wide range of bilateral relations and pertinent regional and global issues of shared interest, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday.
The MEA indicated that both parties exchanged perspectives on significant regional and global topics, including collaboration within multilateral forums.
The Indian delegation, led by Sibi George, MEA Secretary (West), met with the Armenian delegation headed by Mnatsakan Safaryan, Deputy Foreign Minister.
During this meeting, Sibi George also had an audience with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, where they signed an agreement on Cooperation in public health and medical science between India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Armenia’s Ministry of Health. This was formalized by Indian Ambassador to Armenia Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Armenian Deputy Minister of Health Lena Nanushyan.
It was decided that the next FOC would occur in India in 2026 on a mutually agreeable date. The last FOC was conducted in New Delhi in November 2023.
In recent events, Sibi George represented India at the celebrations for Armenia’s National Day in New Delhi, reaffirming India’s steadfast commitment to its friendship with the West Asian nation.
The Indian envoy reiterated New Delhi’s dedication to maintaining strong ties, building on recent high-level interactions between the two countries' leaders.
Through a post on X, the MEA stated, “Secretary (West) Sibi George reaffirmed the long-standing friendship between India and Armenia, grounded in history and recent high-level engagements.”
Earlier in August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, highlighting the warm and developing relationship between the two countries.
Following their meeting, PM Modi tweeted, “Had a very good interaction with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. India and Armenia enjoy warm ties, built on friendship and cooperative efforts.”
In March, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan visited India, invited by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, where both ministers engaged in fruitful discussions on expanding the scope of India-Armenia bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including political exchanges, trade, economic development, connectivity, education, culture, and people-to-people contacts.
Point of View
The ongoing dialogue between India and Armenia is a testament to the strengthening bilateral relations that are rooted in history. The recent Foreign Office Consultations provide a platform for both nations to address mutual interests and enhance cooperation, reflecting a commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main topics discussed at the FOC?
The main topics included bilateral relations, cooperation in multilateral forums, public health and medical science collaboration, and regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Who led the delegations from India and Armenia?
The Indian delegation was led by Sibi George, MEA Secretary (West), while the Armenian delegation was led by Mnatsakan Safaryan, Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia.
When and where will the next FOC be held?
The next FOC is scheduled to take place in India in 2026 on a mutually convenient date.
What agreement was signed during the FOC?
An agreement on cooperation in public health and medical science was signed by the Indian Ambassador and the Armenian Deputy Minister of Health.
What was emphasized during the recent high-level engagements?
The emphasis was on strengthening the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Armenia.
