Hakob Simidyan, Minister of Environment of the RA met with Nilakshi Saha Sinha, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Armenia.
During the meeting, both parties expressed their high appreciation for the friendly relations established between the two countries and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in the field of environmental protection and enriching the bilateral agenda.
The Minister presented Armenia’s strategic environmental priorities and ongoing initiatives to the Ambassador, highlighting efforts to preserve biodiversity, notable achievements in the conservation of the Caucasian leopard, measures undertaken to reduce disaster risks, and the process of introducing an early warning system.
Touching upon the importance of international cooperation, Hakob Simidyan emphasized the commitment of the Armenian government to organizing the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) at a high level, which will be held in Yerevan in 2026. The discussion also covered potential participation of India and possible formats for experience exchange in the context of conference preparations.
Another key topic of discussion was Armenia’s accession to the “International Big Cat Alliance,” an initiative led by India. The parties underscored the professional significance of this process, particularly in light of Armenia’s accomplishments in conserving the Caucasian leopard, which serves as an important indicator species for ecosystem health.
During the meeting, discussions also covered the management of specially protected areas, sustainable forest development, conservation of water resources, and opportunities for exchanging experience through educational programmes. The Minister reaffirmed Armenia’s readiness for open and constructive cooperation, emphasizing that collaboration in these areas can contribute not only to advancing the environmental agenda but also to strengthening interstate relations.