PM Modi, Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan Discuss Deeper Defence, Trade and Strategic Cooperation at SCO Summit
The meeting focused on strengthening the growing India-Armenia partnership, with discussions spanning defence, economic engagement, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, culture and education. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with Armenia to deepen and broaden bilateral ties.
- By Newsdesk
- Bishkek
- Sep 01, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with the two leaders discussing ways to further expand bilateral cooperation across key strategic and economic sectors.
The meeting focused on strengthening the growing India-Armenia partnership, with discussions spanning defence, economic engagement, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, culture and education. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with Armenia to deepen and broaden bilateral ties.
The two leaders also exchanged views on important regional and global developments, including the ongoing situation in West Asia.
The high-level interaction comes amid increasing engagement between India and Armenia across defence, trade and technology. India has been strengthening its strategic relationship with Armenia, with defence cooperation emerging as an important component of the bilateral partnership.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials were also present during the discussions.
The Modi-Pashinyan meeting follows a telephone conversation between the two leaders in June, during which they reviewed bilateral relations and regional developments. Prime Minister Modi had congratulated Pashinyan and his party on their victory in the parliamentary elections. He had also thanked Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian nationals stranded in Iran amid tensions in West Asia.
Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day official visit to Kyrgyzstan to participate in the 26th SCO Summit and attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games. During his visit to Bishkek, he also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial and interacted with members of the Indian community, including yoga practitioners, academics, Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation alumni and researchers.
The latest engagement with Pashinyan underscores India’s continued diplomatic outreach across Central Asia and Eurasia, while reinforcing its focus on expanding strategic partnerships and economic cooperation with Armenia.