EAM Jaishankar’s Baku Visit Marks New Chapter in India-Azerbaijan Relations
In a significant diplomatic push to recalibrate ties, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conducted a high-level one-day visit to Baku on Friday. The visit comes exactly a year after bilateral relations between New Delhi and Azerbaijan hit a low point, triggered by Baku’s controversial alignment with Pakistan during the period surrounding ‘Operation Sindoor.’
Following extensive discussions with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, and a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, Jaishankar described the dialogue as “very productive,” signaling a concerted effort to move past historical friction and toward a more collaborative future.
Strengthening Economic and Strategic Ties
The central focus of the visit was the revitalization of economic cooperation, particularly in the sectors of trade, energy, and investment. Acknowledging that the two nations possess complementary economies, Jaishankar emphasized that there is significant untapped potential to elevate the bilateral partnership.
A cornerstone of the strategic discussions was the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This ambitious 7,200km transit project—linking India, Iran, Russia, and Central Asia—remains a top priority for New Delhi. Jaishankar confirmed that both nations have agreed to coordinate more closely to ensure the corridor reaches its full potential, a move that would significantly enhance logistics and trade connectivity for the Global South.
“We are both invested in the International North-South Transport Corridor. That’s very important for us,” the EAM noted, emphasizing that regional connectivity is a key driver for the renewed engagement.
Addressing Regional Stability and Security
Beyond economics, the discussions delved into the complex geopolitical landscape of Eurasia and the Middle East. Jaishankar welcomed the recent peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, reiterating India’s longstanding stance that international disputes must be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.
The EAM did not shy away from addressing shared global threats, noting that terrorism and regional instability remain “common enemies.” In his remarks, he underscored that both India and Azerbaijan, as independent-minded states, are well-positioned to tackle these challenges collectively. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) later confirmed that the leaders held a candid exchange on security concerns, emphasizing a mutual commitment to regional peace and the reform of international institutions to reflect contemporary realities.
A Human-Centric Partnership
The visit also served to mend the social fabric of the bilateral relationship. Jaishankar expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani leadership for their assistance in the evacuation of Indian nationals and students during recent regional conflicts, highlighting the care provided by local authorities. Furthermore, the EAM proposed increasing the participation of Azerbaijani professionals in the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, aiming to bolster people-to-people ties.
While direct air connectivity already exists, Jaishankar suggested that both nations need to innovate further to deepen engagement. By following up on the recent interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Aliyev at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, the visit successfully transitioned from preliminary talks to a roadmap for future cooperation. With a formal invitation extended to Minister Bayramov to visit New Delhi, the stage is set for a more robust and pragmatic partnership between India and Azerbaijan.
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