NEW DELHI: India and Azerbaijan have taken steps towards improving bilateral relations, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov agreeing to strengthen cooperation in key sectors during talks in Baku.
The meeting, described by Jaishankar as “very productive”, focused on expanding trade, investment, energy cooperation and connectivity. The visit marked the first trip to Azerbaijan by an Indian foreign minister in eight years and followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek last month.
Relations between New Delhi and Baku have faced challenges in recent years, largely due to Azerbaijan’s close ties with Pakistan and India’s defence partnership with Armenia. Azerbaijan’s support for Islamabad following Operation Sindoor last year further strained bilateral ties.
However, the latest diplomatic engagement indicates a willingness on both sides to move beyond previous disagreements and explore areas of mutual interest.
Bayramov expressed his commitment to elevating bilateral relations, while Jaishankar highlighted the potential for greater economic engagement. He said trade, investment and energy remained important pillars of the partnership, adding that considerable opportunities existed to expand cooperation in these areas.
The two ministers also discussed various exchanges and joint activities aimed at strengthening engagement between their countries.
Connectivity emerged as another important area of discussion, with both sides agreeing to coordinate more closely on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The initiative is intended to improve transport links and facilitate the movement of goods across participating countries, offering opportunities to enhance regional trade.
During his visit, Jaishankar also met President Aliyev to discuss ways to deepen bilateral relations. Following the meeting, the Indian minister welcomed the Azerbaijani leader’s positive approach towards strengthening ties between the two countries.
Jaishankar also welcomed the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, expressing hope that the development would pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
The diplomatic outreach comes as India and Azerbaijan seek to revive engagement despite their differing strategic partnerships. The renewed discussions on economic cooperation, regional connectivity and energy indicate that both countries are looking to build a more constructive relationship while addressing concerns that have affected their ties.