In a recent feature on CivilNet, Mr. Rananjay Anand, Co-Founder and President of the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO, reflected on the growing relationship between India and Armenia — a connection that stretches back centuries, yet is only now realizing its full modern potential.

As someone deeply involved in people-to-people diplomacy, cultural advocacy, and public engagement, Mr. Anand offered a unique lens on the human dimension of India-Armenia ties: the shared values, the emotional connections, and the stories that often escape headlines but define the fabric of bilateral friendship.

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A Relationship Rooted in History — Reawakened by Common Aspirations

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India and Armenia’s connection is not a new one. From Armenian merchants in Mughal India to the founding of Armenian churches in Kolkata, the historical ties are profound and inspiring. “It’s a civilizational friendship,” said Mr. Anand, “not one born out of recent convenience.”

However, as the interview highlighted, modern challenges — such as lack of connectivity, limited cultural awareness, and the absence of strategic focus — held the relationship back for decades. It was only after 2020 that momentum began to build, driven in part by shifting geopolitical realities and mutual expressions of solidarity in global forums.

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People-to-People Diplomacy at the Core

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Mr. Anand emphasized that governments can sign agreements, but long-term relationships are sustained by people. Over the years, the Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO has played a pivotal role in filling the gap between official diplomacy and grassroots engagement.

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Through:

• Cultural events and festivals

• Student and academic exchanges

• Diaspora networking

• Public awareness campaigns

• Art, music, and traditional crafts collaborations

…the NGO has created spaces where Indians and Armenians can learn about each other — not through policy papers, but through shared experiences.

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Changing Perceptions, One Conversation at a Time

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In the CivilNet interview, Mr. Anand also touched on the dramatic shift in public sentiment in India toward Armenia. He cited how regional alignments — particularly Azerbaijan and Turkey’s support for Pakistan — have influenced Indian public opinion and generated unprecedented goodwill for Armenia.

But awareness doesn’t happen automatically. It takes deliberate effort. The Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO continues to engage with Indian media, civil society, and academic institutions to tell Armenia’s story in India — and vice versa.

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The result? More Indian tourists are visiting Armenia. Indian students are exploring Armenian universities. Artists are collaborating. New friendships are forming — and with them, new opportunities.

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Looking Forward: A Call for Cultural Infrastructure

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While the economic and political angles of India-Armenia relations are gaining ground, Mr. Anand made a compelling case for building cultural infrastructure — Indian cultural centers in Yerevan, Armenian language programs in India, museum partnerships, and heritage tourism development.

The Indo-Armenian Friendship NGO stands ready to work with partners across both countries to make this vision a reality.

 

“History brought us together,” said Mr. Anand. “But it is culture and compassion that will carry us forward.”

 

Watch the full CivilNet podcast interview with Mr. Anand here: