India's Diplomatic Engagement with Azerbaijan

Summary of Key Points

Diplomatic Relations

• Relation Reset: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to Baku indicates a turnaround in India's relations with Azerbaijan, previously strained.
• National Interests Over Ethnic Affiliations: The engagement underscores the significance of nationalism and self-interest over purely ethnic and religious political alliances.

Historical Context

• Strategic Bloc Perceptions: Indian perceptions of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan as a strategic alliance intensified during Operation Sindoor (May 2025), occurring alongside the 2021 Islamabad Declaration supporting Pakistan's stance on Kashmir.

International Organizations

• Organisation of Turkic States (OTS): Formed in 2021 from the Turkic Council of 2009; it encompasses Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and has Turkmenistan as an observer. Its agenda covers trade, transport, technology, and culture but struggles with common security commitments.

Political Dynamics

• Tensions Between Turkey and Azerbaijan: Recent friction includes Azerbaijan's secular education policies clashing with Turkey's conservative stances and diverging foreign policy orientations, especially regarding relationships with Israel.

Central Asian Relations

• Multi-vector Partnerships: Central Asian republics maintain a cautious stance, balancing relationships with Russia and China alongside ties to Turkey, similar to India's "multi-alignment" foreign policy model.

Economic and Energy Interests

• Strategic Importance of Azerbaijan:
  • Located strategically near Russia and Iran, and connected with regional markets through Georgia and Turkey.
  • Rich in energy resources and significant transport links, enhancing its geopolitical relevance.

International Transport Corridor

• International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): Critical for India's access to Azerbaijan and other regions in Eurasia, allowing for expanded diplomatic and economic relations.

India's Diplomatic Strategy

• Engagement with Azerbaijan and Armenia: India seeks to bolster ties with Azerbaijan while maintaining its partnership with Armenia, as both nations work towards normalization.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Common Interests vs. Divergent Policies: Despite Azerbaijan's ties with Turkey, its independent geopolitical posture and relationships with Israel and the UAE present avenues for India to explore common interests.
• Navigating Pakistan Relationships: While India recognizes other countries’ ties with Pakistan, it emphasizes the importance of neutrality regarding Indo-Pak disputes in international forums.

Conclusion

Jaishankar's visit to Azerbaijan reflects India's initiative to reinvigorate its influence in the Caucasus, considering the region's complex mix of national interests and geopolitical dynamics. India must adapt to this evolving landscape to enhance its strategic partnerships and secure economic benefits.