Pashinyan invites Modi to Armenia as leaders discuss expanding ties

By Siranush Adamyan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed expanding bilateral cooperation during talks in Bishkek on Aug. 31, with Pashinyan renewing an invitation for Modi to visit Armenia.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

According to the Armenian government, the two leaders said Armenia-India friendship had traditionally been strong and expressed readiness to deepen ties further. They discussed cooperation in the economy, technology, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, education, infrastructure, investment and tourism.

The sides also said further high-level reciprocal visits could help deepen the partnership and promote new joint projects. Pashinyan reaffirmed his invitation for Modi to visit Armenia at a convenient time and said he was also ready to visit India.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional issues, including the implementation of the TRIPP project, the Armenian government said.

Modi separately wrote on X that India-Armenia cooperation was set to grow in defense, IT, space, education, pharmaceuticals and other areas.

“We are equally certain to deepen trade and investment linkages in the times to come,” Modi said.