EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Agarak Border Crossing is an international border checkpoint between Armenia and Iran, located near the town of Agarak in Armenia’s Syunik Province. This crossing is one of the few border points connecting Armenia to Iran, and its history is shaped by the geopolitics and regional developments of both nations, as well as their relations with neighboring countries.

HISTORY OF AGARAK BORDER CROSSING

The small number of border crossings between Armenia and Iran, particularly given the geopolitical importance of Armenia. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, it became an independent state, and it needed to establish international borders and trade routes.

Before the Soviet Collapse this region has its strategic position. During the Soviet era, Armenia and Iran were both part of the Eastern Bloc’s larger geopolitical landscape. The border between Soviet Armenia and Iran was one of the key transit routes for goods, particularly between the USSR and Iran.

Post-Soviet Era after Armenia gained independence in 1991, the geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus changed. It led tense relations with neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey. The latter two countries closed their borders with Armenia in the early 1990s, following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the subsequent military and political standoff.

As a result, Armenia needed to secure trade and diplomatic ties with neighboring Iran, which became an important partner.

Russian experience guarding the Agarak Border crossing

Russian Role in Border Security

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian border guards, under the jurisdiction of the Federal Security Service (FSB), have played a significant role in guarding Armenia’s borders, including the one with Iran. The bilateral agreements between Armenia and Russia, reflecting Armenia’s reliance on Russia for security.

Russian Involvement at Agarak

Border Guard Presence: Russian forces are stationed at Agarak, to help secure Armenia’s external borders. This presence is part of a larger framework under the 1992 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance between Armenia and Russia.

Technical and Logistical Support: Russia provides advanced surveillance equipment and training to ensure the effective monitoring of the border.

Counter-Trafficking Efforts: Russian guards work to combat smuggling, illegal crossings, and trafficking, particularly given the location’s importance as a trade route.

Symbol of Alliance: The Russian presence underscores Armenia’s security reliance on Moscow, particularly in light of regional challenges, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and tensions with Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Russian Interest in the Agarak Border Crossing

Russia’s interest in the Agarak Border Crossing stems from several strategic and geopolitical factors:

Role in the North-South Transport Corridor:
Russia, a key partner in the NSTC, views the Agarak crossing as a vital node for enhancing connectivity with Iran and fostering trade with South Asia. The corridor aligns with Moscow’s goals of bypassing Western-controlled trade routes and strengthening its economic ties with the Global South.

Armenia as a Geopolitical Ally:
Armenia is part of Russia-led alliances like the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Russia’s involvement in infrastructure and border management in Armenia ensures its influence in the region and secures a foothold in key transport routes.

Border Management Role:
Russian border guards are stationed at some of Armenia’s border crossings, including parts of its border with Iran, under bilateral agreements. This reflects Russia’s strategic role in ensuring security and maintaining control over critical transit points.

Counterbalance to Western Influence:
As the West has increased engagement with Armenia (e.g., EU border monitoring missions and aid projects), Russia seeks to reaffirm its dominance by emphasizing its role in critical infrastructure like Agarak. This is especially pertinent as Armenia explores diversified partnerships.

Energy and Trade Interests:
The border crossing facilitates the flow of goods and resources, including energy products. Russia is interested in leveraging the route for transporting goods to and from Iran, particularly in light of sanctions and restricted access to other global markets.

AZERBAIJAN POLICY

Azerbaijan does not have a border with the Arakan region (Rakhine State) of Myanmar, there is no specific Azerbaijani policy regarding border crossings in that area. However, Azerbaijan has kept its land and sea borders closed for entry. Individuals cannot enter the country via land or sea borders but can exit without special permission. Entry is permitted through air travel without restrictions.

IRAN POLICY

Iran does not share a border with Myanmar and there is no known policy or involvement by Iran concerning the Arakan (Rakhine) border crossing. The Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group in Myanmar, has recently gained control over the border areas with Bangladesh, significantly impacting regional dynamics. The Arakan Army claimed full control over the 270-kilometer border with Bangladesh, leading Bangladesh to bolster its border security.

Iran’s border policies are primarily focused on its immediate neighbors, such as Afghanistan and Iraq. For example, Iran has constructed a border wall along its frontier with Afghanistan to address security concerns. Therefore, Iran does not have a policy regarding the Arakan border crossing, as it is geographically and politically outside Iran’s sphere of influence

TURKEY POLICY

Turkey’s policy on the Arakan border crossing is characterized by a humanitarian approach, focusing on diplomatic mediation and providing aid to those affected by the conflict, rather than direct involvement in border management.

HOW ARMENIA PLANS TO GUARD AGARAK AN BORDER CROSSING?

Armenia does not share a border with Myanmar (formerly Burma), and therefore does not have a border crossing with Arakan (Rakhine) State. However, Armenia has recently undertaken significant changes in its border security arrangements. As of January 1, 2025, Armenian border guards have assumed full responsibility for the Agarak border checkpoint on the Armenia-Iran border, a role previously managed by Russian personnel for over three decades. This transition was announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who expressed gratitude to the Russian border guards for their service and wished success to the Armenian forces now in charge. Also starting from January 1, 2025, Armenian border guards will collaborate with Russian forces to secure the borders with Turkey and Iran. This agreement was confirmed after a meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the day. These developments reflect Armenia’s evolving approach to border security and its efforts to enhance regional stability through strategic partnerships.

DATA ANALYSIS

Agarak Border Crossing is not only a trade and transit hub but also a focal point of Armenia’s strategic relationship with Russia and its broader geopolitical position. Russian involvement in securing the border highlights the depth of the Armenia-Russia security partnership while reflecting the complex regional dynamics at play. The broader process of transformation of Armenian-Russian relations, including earlier decisions to withdraw Russian border guards from airport and Russian military personnel from the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

CONCLUSION

Agarak Border Crossing is not only a trade and transit hub but also a focal point of Armenia’s strategic relationship with Russia and its broader geopolitical position. Russian involvement in securing the border highlights the depth of the Armenia-Russia security partnership while reflecting the complex regional dynamics at play.