India Armenia Joint Issue

India–Armenia: Celebrating Friendship Through Dance

Historical Ties and Diplomatic Relations

India recognized the Republic of Armenia on 26 December 1991, and the Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations was signed on 31 August 1992 in Moscow. However, the cultural and historical links between the two civilizations trace back to ancient times.

Historians suggest that when Assyrian Queen Semiramis invaded India in 2000 BC, some Armenians accompanied her, as they later did Alexander the Great in 326 BC. Literary evidence also points to Indian settlements in Armenia around 149 BC, when two Indian princes and their retinues were allotted land in the Taron region (now in Turkey).

During the Mughal era, Emperor Akbar recognized the Armenians for their commercial integrity and granted them religious and social freedoms. Armenian communities flourished in Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, and Agra, where the first Armenian Church was consecrated in 1562. Remarkably, the first Armenian journal in the world, Azadar, was published in Madras (Chennai) in 1794.

Today, the vestiges of this vibrant community remain in Kolkata, where the Holy Church of Nazareth, built in 1707 and renovated in 1734, stands as a symbol of enduring Indo-Armenian friendship.

Modern Bilateral Relations

India and Armenia share a deep and multifaceted relationship, conducted through mechanisms such as the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) and the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) on trade, scientific, and cultural cooperation. The two nations support each other in international forums and continue to strengthen collaboration in fields such as ICT, education, and healthcare.

India has established a Centre of Excellence in ICT in Yerevan and provided support to Armenian schools through computer supply initiatives. Additionally, India offers ITEC training and scholarships for learning Hindi at the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan (KHS).

The Indian community in Armenia is small but significant, consisting largely of over 800 students pursuing higher education in medicine and engineering. The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated in Armenia since 2015, further deepening cultural connections and promoting wellness traditions.

Cultural Harmony Through Dance

Manipuri Dance – The Grace of India

Manipuri Dance, one of India’s major classical dance forms, originates from Manipur, a picturesque state in the country’s northeast. Deeply rooted in Vaishnavite traditions, it often depicts the love and devotion of Radha and Krishna through the celebrated Raslila. The dance also portrays themes from Shaivism, Shaktism, and local deities like Umang Lai during Lai Haraoba.

Characterized by graceful movements, fluid hand gestures, and spiritual expression, Manipuri dance is a sacred art form that embodies inner purity and devotion. Musical accompaniment includes instruments such as the pung (Manipuri mridanga) and kartal (manjira), creating a rhythmic and divine symphony.

Hov Arek – The Soul of Armenia

The Armenian dance heritage is among the oldest in the world, dating back to the third millennium B.C., as evidenced by ancient rock carvings in the Ararat region.

The traditional Armenian dance “Hov Arek” is based on the lyrical folk song “Hov Arek sarer jan”—meaning “Dear mountains, send me a breeze.” Collected and preserved by the great composer and priest Komitas, the song expresses a young man’s heartfelt plea to the mountains to bring him comfort.

Performed by women in traditional Armenian costumes, the dance is an embodiment of grace, elegance, and emotional depth, reflecting the soul of Armenian culture and its timeless artistic spirit.

Philatelic Tribute

The Department of Posts proudly issues this commemorative postage stamp celebrating the enduring friendship between India and Armenia, symbolized through the Manipuri and Hov Arek dances. These art forms, though distinct in origin, share a common rhythm — the universal language of peace, spirituality, and cultural harmony that continues to unite nations.