New Delhi, 25 June (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during which he thanked the Armenian government for its assistance in the evacuation of Indian nationals from Iran amid recent tensions and security concerns in West Asia.

The conversation came shortly after Armenia's ruling Civil Contract Party secured victory in the country's parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Pashinyan on the electoral success and conveyed his best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of Armenia.

In a message shared on social media following the conversation,PM Modi said he was pleased to speak with the Armenian leader and appreciated Armenia's support in facilitating the safe movement and evacuation of Indian citizens affected by the situation in Iran. The Prime Minister noted that such cooperation reflected the strong and friendly relations between the two countries.

The two leaders also reviewed the state of bilateral ties and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation across a range of sectors. According to official sources, the discussions covered trade and investment, defence cooperation, technology partnerships, capacity building, connectivity initiatives and people-to-people exchanges.

India and Armenia have steadily expanded their engagement in recent years, with both countries expressing interest in deepening cooperation in strategic and economic sectors. Defence collaboration has emerged as an important pillar of the relationship, while growing commercial and technological partnerships have added new momentum to bilateral ties.

During the conversation, PM Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to further elevating relations with Armenia and expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to expand in the years ahead. He also reiterated India's support for stronger engagement in areas that contribute to mutual growth, regional stability and long-term development.

The discussion took place against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical developments in West Asia, which have prompted several countries to undertake evacuation operations for their citizens. Armenia's assistance in facilitating the movement of Indian nationals from the region was viewed in New Delhi as a significant gesture of friendship and cooperation.

Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue efforts to strengthen the longstanding partnership between India and Armenia.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar