First direct flight cancelled
India marks the 60th anniversary of its Republic Day on January 26.
On 26 January, 1950, India's Constitution came into force, and the country declared itself a republic. Thereafter, the day has been celebrated as Republic Day in India.
A military parade will crown the jubilee celebrations of January 26. This year India's Defense Ministry took a number of security measures ahead of the great celebration. The country is especially cautious of Radical Islamic groups. The main events will take place in Delhi which is guarded by 70 000 policemen. Besides, the entrance to the city is restricted.
A number of international flights, including Yerevan-Delhi-Yerevan flight due at 8:00 a.m. January 26, have been cancelled.
"Armavia" Air Company reports that a grand event dedicated to the first direct flight and to the Republic Day was foreseen to take place at Indira Ghandi International Airport in Delhi today but the flight was canceled out of security.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Armenia, Achal Kumar Malhotra considers a direct flight between the two countries as an important step to strengthen bilateral economic ties and tourism.
Talking to A1+ he noted that Armenian-Indian relations have entered a new phase.
"Armenians are particularly interested in Information technology (IT) and agriculture. Our partnership in economic sphere is also boosting.
Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is very popular in Armenia which annually enables 30 Armenian students take training courses in India in various areas," said the ambassador.
Among Armenian-Indian projects Achal Kumar Malhotra highlighted the opening of Centre of Excellence for Information and Communication Technology in Yerevan by the end of the year.
A chair of Hindi studies and Hindi literature will open at Yerevan State Linguistic University after V. Brusov on February 1. A specialist has been invited from India to teach at the university. The latter is a journalist who during a conversation with A1+ noted that he/she is going to master the Armenian language and share his impressions on Armenia with his friends.
Asked whether a chair of Armenian studies will be available in one of Indian universities, the Indian Ambassador said, "Though the project takes a long time it is already in process."
This year India will celebrate Armenian Days and in May an exhibition and sale of Indian goods will be held in Yerevan.
