Yerevan, Feb 4 (NationPress) An Indian delegation, led by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday, exploring new possibilities for collaboration and ways to enhance defence and strategic ties.

Post-meeting, the Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff shared a statement on X, stating, "General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), along with the Indian Delegation, engaged with His Excellency Mr Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, discussing the evolving Geopolitical Landscape and the current Security Environment. The talks underscored emerging prospects for collaboration and avenues to further solidify Bilateral Defence and Strategic Cooperation."

The day before, General Chauhan, accompanied by the Indian delegation, conferred with Armenia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Abisoghomonyan. The meeting allowed both parties to share insights on the prevailing security climate and bilateral concerns.

"General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), met with His Excellency Mr Robert Abisoghomonyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Armenia, exchanging views on the security environment and bilateral matters," mentioned the Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS HQ) on X.

On the same day, the delegation and Armenia's Defence Minister Suren Papkyan discussed enhancing defence cooperation on various security-related issues between the two nations.

Following their discussions, the IDS HQ stated on X, "General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), led the Indian Delegation for an official meeting with Suren Papkyan, Minister of Defence, Republic of Armenia. The focus of the discussions was on fortifying Defence Cooperation across a spectrum of security issues relevant to both nations."

General Chauhan also delivered a speech at the National Defence Research University (NDRU), addressing faculty and students about the global security landscape, structural changes, and the impact of technology.

"General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), visited the National Defence Research University (NDRU), Armenia, where he addressed faculty and students on the evolving global security environment, structural transformation, and the emergence of technology as a pivotal factor of power," reported the Headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff on X.

He elaborated on the shifting nature of warfare, emphasizing the revolution in military affairs. He pointed out that technology is reshaping the character of war, particularly as the world transitions towards multi-domain operations. He also discussed new domains of warfare, including Cyber, Electronic Warfare (EW), Space, and Cognitive Warfare, as highlighted by the IDS HQ.

General Chauhan also had discussions with Lt Gen Edward Asryan, Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, focusing on enhancing defence collaboration between the two countries.

Following this, the IDS HQ updated on X, stating, "The interaction demonstrated a shared commitment to deepen the strategic partnership and enhance mutual capability development."

The CDS also inaugurated the IT Lab and Distance Learning Centre at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy of the Armed Forces of Armenia in Yerevan.

The Indian defence delegation, led by General Chauhan, arrived in Armenia on Sunday for a four-day official visit. This visit represents a significant advancement in mutual strategic interests and the long-term defence and security collaboration between the two nations.

"The delegation received a warm welcome in Yerevan from Ms Nilakshi Saha Sinha, Ambassador of India to Armenia, and Major General Temur Shahnazaryan, Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia," it noted.

On Monday, the Armenian Armed Forces provided a ceremonial reception for General Anil Chauhan.

"General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), was given a ceremonial welcome by the Armenian Armed Forces, featuring a remarkable Guard of Honour and military band display in Yerevan. The Indian Delegation expressed its heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality, underscoring the strengthening ties and enduring friendship between India and Armenia," reported the Headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff on X.

Additionally, he laid a wreath at the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum in Yerevan to honor the memory of 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives.

"General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), laid a wreath at the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum in Yerevan, honoring the memory of 1.5 million Armenians who perished in the genocide. The memorial's symbolic structures and the adjacent museum serve as a poignant reminder of human suffering, resilience, and the universal significance of remembrance, justice, and peace," stated the Headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff in a post on X.