During his official visit to India, RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan gave an interview to WION, a leading local news outlet covering foreign policy topics.

In the interview, Minister Mirzoyan answered questions about the Armenia-India bilateral cooperation agenda, areas with great development potential, mutual support on international platforms, efforts to establish peace in the South Caucasus, and other regional and international agenda issues. The interview was broadcast in full on the Indian outlet's March 11 broadcast, the content of which is presented below.

- India and Armenia have very close relations. The Armenian Foreign Minister is with us today. Here, in Delhi, he held talks with the Foreign Minister. So, welcome to WION. My first question is: How would you describe India-Armenia relations? What areas of cooperation do you see between the two countries?

- Thank you for the invitation. Speaking about the relations between Armenia and India, it should be remembered that these relations, relations between the peoples of India and Armenia, have a centuries-old history. Let us recall that in the 18th century, there was a vibrant Armenian community in India - a community of intellectuals and merchants, which contributed to India's global positioning in terms of trade and economy and had a massive contribution to the cultural perspective of both Armenia and India. It is interesting to know that, for example, the first attempt to have a written constitution for the future Republic of Armenia was made; it was written in India. Also, the first Armenian published periodical was published in India, in Madras, now Chennai.

So, returning to modern history, India was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of the Republic of Armenia in 1991, and it is interesting that just four years later, we managed to sign a treaty between our two countries, The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation is a rather serious document. Since then, political dialogue, as well as interaction in various fields, has developed, and especially in the last 3-4 years, we have recorded a significant improvement in relations; we have very intensive mutual political visits, political consultations between our foreign ministries, including at the ministerial level. We also meet regularly within the Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation framework, where we indicate the areas and specific steps we can implement bilaterally. How would I describe the relations? They are developing very close and friendly ties.

- Let's talk about the meeting that you had here in Delhi. We saw the meeting between you and the Indian Foreign Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar. What were the talks like? What were the primary outcomes of your visit here in Delhi?

First of all, we had the opportunity to assess what has already been done and how our previous agreements have been implemented, as well as to talk about possible and potential future projects and areas of cooperation.

Let's talk about defense relations, which are developing. In the last few years, you have also received systems from India, which has been discussed. So, talk about this interaction and how you generally increase your defense cooperation with India. Some publications suggest that you have also imported Indian defense equipment, so perhaps you can talk or give a broader assessment of this.

- Obviously, defense is one of the areas where we have very close cooperation with India, and I assume that this cooperation will continue to deepen. However, this cooperation and, in particular, the acquisition of certain specific equipment manufactured in India is not intended for Armenia's use or, in any other sense, is not directed against any other third party. You may be aware that Armenia has a peace agenda. We are engaged in peace negotiations with our eastern neighbor, but in general, we are also very focused on establishing peace and stability and normalizing relations with our neighbors. So, we are in the process of reforming our defense sector and modernizing our army. Here, the Indian experience in some specific regions and the equipment manufactured in India is of interest to us. But again, this is for reforming the Armenian defense system, and there is no intention to use these systems against any other third party.

I was getting to that point. We have seen the comments after the publications that you have imported defense equipment manufactured in India, especially Pinaka. So, can you perhaps talk about the reaction from Azerbaijan?

I have already touched on this topic mostly. Armenia intends only to modernize its defense capabilities and system as a whole. The equipment, sourced not only from India but also from other places, is aimed at having a better army with better defense capabilities. Armenia has no intention of aggression against any third country.

- Communications: This has also been one of the main pillars of the relationship. I heard your previous comments in which you mentioned the Chabahar port. How do you plan to use the Chabahar port to provide broader connectivity to the world and India?

- Like any other country, Armenia is doing its best to have or promote its logistics routes to become part of the global transit routes. And in this regard, exploring new opportunities is extremely important for Armenia. Moreover, we have come up with our initiative, the "Crossroads of Peace," which envisages the unblocking of all transport and transit infrastructure in the South Caucasus. Still, this initiative goes beyond the South Caucasus, especially if we consider that its implementation will have a positive impact not only on the region's three countries. Therefore, we are interested in exploring new transit routes, including ports, railways, electricity and Internet cables, etc.

To do this, we, of course, focus first of all on negotiations with our neighbors, including Azerbaijan. We have presented a mutually beneficial proposal that is beneficial to both countries. At the same time, we continue talks with Turkey on opening borders and resuming our railway infrastructure, which will ensure Armenia's connection with Turkey. So, within the framework of the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative, we are considering the North-South and the West-East direction, or if you like, East-West. Again, if this project is implemented, it will benefit many international actors.

Trade. In general, its volumes remain small. What ideas does the Armenian side have for increasing trade with India? Can you discuss this and present the role the Chabahar port plays in expanding trade between Armenia and India?

If we consider the economic side of our relations, then, of course, I agree that there is a great unrealized potential here. Our cooperation in other areas is much further ahead, and we need to make additional efforts to realize the economic and trade potential more effectively. Here, we again have to talk about logistics and geographical distance, but we also realize that there is still homework to be done in this direction.

For example, I remember when I made my first visit to India in 2022, I brought with me a large group of Armenian businessmen who were interested in establishing business relations with Indian partners. Today, with Minister Jaishankar, we had the opportunity to discuss the need and possibility of a visit by a delegation of Indian business people to Armenia. This should become a regular process that will contribute to establishing new ties and renewing and developing business relations. However, one can understand and agree that geographical distance does not play such a significant role in some areas. For example, information technology, high technology, and artificial intelligence, which both Armenia and I see that India are very interested in, but not only interested, we both have huge capabilities and opportunities here. We have experts, we have potential, and both of us. So, we can cooperate here as well, and if we go deeper, we can find new areas to help increase the numbers.

I can give another example: direct flights between our countries. Certain Armenian carriers are interested in establishing direct flights, and I know that there has been talk among Indian airlines as well. If there is a direct flight, we understand that it will help improve people-to-people contacts, cultural ties, and tourism, which is an economic sector. It also brings money to both the visitors and the host country.

- You are talking about relationships between people. The basis of any relationship is strong relationships between people, which is why tourism and students are essential in these relationships. There are many tourists; the Foreign Minister also mentioned and thanked for ensuring the safety and security of Indian students in Armenia. So, how do you present Armenia as a tourist destination and a destination for Indian students?

By the way, this is a perfect example. We have had Indian students who mainly study medicine, but their interest is not limited to medicine. It has been more than a decade, several decades, but the interest is growing, and we are very interested in retaining, having, and accepting students from India. But also, there are universities in India, and there are specialties that Armenian students may be interested in. So, we need to multiply our efforts in this area.

But I would like to add another layer to this, another nuance to this conversation. Armenia is launching a large-scale project, the establishment of an academic city, where we want to unite several Armenian universities and relevant institutions and invite some new prestigious institutions to play a role here. And this will attract more students from India. But if we continue to talk about a particular influx, you mentioned students; I would like to add another group coming to Armenia from India. There is another area where we have noticed some changes in the last few years. We see that there is also labor migration from India to Armenia. We did not have this experience years ago.

- Do you mean illegal migration?

No, we are talking about legal migration. We see that there is a demand for Armenia, but this is one of the areas that needs to be regulated. Today, we also had the opportunity to exchange views on this issue with Minister Jaishankar.

- You say that you want more Indians, exceptionally qualified specialists, to come to Armenia, which will contribute to developing your economy. Do I understand correctly?

I would formulate it a little differently. We are ready to attract labor from India, but only to an extent that is consistent with both the Armenian economy and the Armenian labor market. So, there is a demand, but it needs to be regulated. By the way, the purpose of regulation is not only to determine how much labor can be transferred from one country to another but also to ensure that the rights of all labor migrants are protected.

- Now, let's talk about the international situation and how the two countries cooperate internationally. How do you assess India's support of Armenia when you face many problems with your neighbors, especially with Azerbaijan? So, how would you consider India's role and support in the South Caucasus?

 Reflecting on the cooperation between Armenia and India on international platforms, we have very close cooperation here. We often support each other's candida and cities and mutually support each other's initiatives on various global platforms.

As for normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, we are very close here; I mean the finalization of the draft peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. If we complete the agreement's development first and then sign it, it will be one of the strongest pillars of peace and stability in the South Caucasus. This also complements the other steps, negotiations, and agreements with Azerbaijan. For example, just a few months ago, we managed to sign and then ratify the regulations of the border commissions that dealt with the demarcation process between the two states.

I have already had the opportunity to mention our proposal for unblocking transport infrastructure in the region. Armenia has proposed a mechanism for mutual control and verification of armaments to Azerbaijan. Thus, all these tools can help us establish long-term and stable peace in our region. All those countries can play a positive role, welcoming both sides' constructive steps. On the other hand, I must also note that the agreements we have already reached with Azerbaijan were achieved through direct bilateral negotiations. We should soon achieve that goal.

- It is a very optimistic approach, and now let's turn to the Indian subcontinent. One of the biggest concerns for India is cross-border terrorism coming from Pakistan. What do you have to say about that, considering that Pakistan continues to occupy the territory of Kashmir? What is your position on this issue?

- Armenia's position is well-known and has not changed over the years. We support India's position and perception of Jammu and Kashmir. We will only welcome any positive and peaceful progress here.

- What about cross-border terrorism, as it is a serious issue for India? India has consistently spoken out about terrorism and actively cooperates with other countries in the fight against terrorism.

- Armenia condemns terrorism in all its manifestations and all corners of the world. We have had a painful experience with the involvement of mercenary terrorists in conflicts in our region. That is why, as I have already said, we condemn terrorism. We see that terrorism can have a worse impact on regional processes if supported by some states.

- You mentioned mercenary terrorists. Can you elaborate?

- I have already mentioned that we have had a painful experience in terms of the involvement of mercenary terrorists in conflicts in our region.

- Let's talk about multilateral structures, particularly the United Nations. India calls for reforms in the UN Security Council. What is your opinion on this? Do you support India's candidacy for the UN Security Council seat? And BRICS? You have already been an observer at several meetings. Would you like to be a member of BRICS?

Unfortunately, all the mechanisms operating today within the framework of the United Nations, as well as those operating outside the UN system, are insufficient and do not guarantee the prevention, management, or cessation of conflicts in different parts of the world. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the UN system most likely needs some reforms. We are familiar with India's approach and position and support this approach.

- And BRICS?

-Yes, we have participated in the work of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. You asked about BRICS, and we remain interested in having observer status in this organization and observing what this cooperation and format can bring to our region.

If you can talk about it, you could express your opinion on the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey and on Armenia's relations with Iran, which are pretty good. For our observers, you can give a broader picture of relations with Iran because Iran is also a close neighbor of India. There are overlaps, but there is also trilateral cooperation, which works well if you can discuss these two aspects.

- Armenia has four neighbors. Our eastern neighbor is Azerbaijan, where we are trying to establish peace and interstate relations, turning the page of hostility in the region. Our western neighbor is Turkey, with which Armenia's borders have been closed for more than three decades. We are currently conducting a rather dynamic dialogue with Turkey, which aims to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries and open the borders. So far, we have taken some small but tangible steps, but several agreements have not yet been implemented.

We have already agreed that the border should first be opened to citizens of third countries and holders of diplomatic passports of Armenia and Turkey. The last point has not yet been implemented, but we continue the dialogue. Once again, if relations are fully normalized, it will benefit the two countries and several other actors in the region and beyond. For many years, we have had excellent relations with our other two neighbors, Georgia to the north and Iran to the south, and we are focused on deepening these ties. We understand that you are particularly interested in relations with Iran because, from a geographical point of view, when we consider India and Armenia, it is evident that we are striving to deepen our ties. Of course, we should also pay attention to the countries between us. And Iran is undoubtedly a country with which we have a great interest in deepening cooperation, including in the trilateral format you mentioned.

- How do you assess the current global situation? Two significant conflicts are happening worldwide, but some prerequisites for a ceasefire are already visible. The Trump administration is in power in the United States. Peace may soon be established in Ukraine; the same can be said about Western Asia. What principles guide Armenia's foreign policy in these significant processes shaking the world in recent years?

- As you can conclude from my previous words, Armenia is very focused on building peace; of course, building peace is first and foremost for Armenia, South Caucasus, and our neighbors. However, we also believe peace is the only solution for all the other countries. Here, I would like to highlight and focus on two separate directions. First and foremost, the humanitarian direction. I mean, human suffering, whether it be in Armenia, whether it be in Ukraine, whether it be in Syria, wherever you mention, is unacceptable—gross human rights violations, whether anywhere in the world, are inappropriate. We live in the 21st century, and unfortunately, we keep seeing how people are subjected to massacres, for example, or how families see their family members die because of conflicts; that is unacceptable. I hope you agree. The second layer is Armenia; for the interests of Armenia, we are very interested in peace in Ukraine, Syria, and the Middle East. Peace is the only way to allow nations to continue to cooperate, pen their interaction, and travel with and from each other