The state of war between our two neighbors – Russia and Iran – has created certain risks for the South Caucasus region, including Azerbaijan.
However, Azerbaijan is in favor of reducing tensions in relations with both near and distant countries. For example, there are signs of normalization tendencies in Azerbaijan's relations with France and India.
After the Second Karabakh War, the number of questions regarding relations between Azerbaijan and India increased. India's arms sales to Armenia caused concern in Azerbaijan. New Delhi, on the other hand, was worried about Azerbaijan elevating its strategic partnership with Pakistan to a high level. However, the Azerbaijan-Pakistan strategic partnership is not directed against third countries. In this regard, Azerbaijan is not concerned about increased contacts between Armenia and Pakistan after the Second Karabakh War.
Baku and New Delhi are eager to eliminate their differences. After the US and Israel started a war against Iran, like citizens of other countries, some Indian citizens have also been evacuated from Iran to their countries via Azerbaijan. By March 30, 196 Indian citizens had been evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan. The Indian Embassy in Baku issued a statement thanking Azerbaijan for its assistance in evacuating Indian citizens from Iran. A few days after this statement, an official delegation from India arrived in Baku.
On April 3, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received a delegation led by Sibi George, Secretary (West) of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, in Baku. During the meeting, the current state and prospects of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and India were discussed, and issues of cooperation in economic-trade relations, energy, tourism, and education fields were reviewed. Additionally, positions on issues causing disagreements between the two countries were conveyed, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in this direction. The meeting also included an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest.
On the same day, political consultations were held between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and India. It can be predicted that such contacts between the two countries will increase.
Azerbaijan does not want tension in relations with any country. What is important is to base relations on mutual respect. For example, France supported Armenia in the Second Karabakh War, and French officials and deputies made statements against Azerbaijan. After that, relations between the two countries deteriorated. However, until then, the relations had been normal.
Currently, Paris is trying to correct its South Caucasus policy and to normalize relations with Azerbaijan again. This aligns with Azerbaijan's interests as well. Azerbaijan is also interested in restoring its relations with India to their previous course. It should also be noted that both countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement. On the other hand, transport routes passing through Azerbaijan are also within New Delhi's sphere of interest.
Elkhan Shahinoglu,
political scientist