India and Azerbaijan Relations: Tensions and Recent Strategic Ties

Explore India and Azerbaijan relations, including diplomatic history, trade and energy cooperation, cultural links, and their growing strategic partnership in Eurasia.

Table of Contents

Context: India and Azerbaijan held the 6th Foreign Office Consultations in Baku (2026) to restore ties after tensions triggered by Operation Sindoor criticism.

Fallout in India and Azerbaijan Relations after Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor criticism: Azerbaijan criticised India’s strikes on Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, calling for restraint.
Azerbaijan–Pakistan Strategic Ties: Azerbaijan maintains a close military and political partnership with Pakistan, partly due to Islamabad’s support in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict against Armenia.
India–Armenia Defence Links: Azerbaijan accused India of supplying arms to Armenia, which deepened diplomatic friction.
Multilateral Tensions: Azerbaijan alleged India blocked its membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Recent Reset in India and Azerbaijan Ties

Foreign Office Consultations: India and Azerbaijan resumed high-level diplomatic dialogue after a gap since 2022, agreeing to resolve differences through open discussions.
Energy Cooperation: Azerbaijan resumed crude oil exports to India (≈98% of Azerbaijan’s exports to India); ONGC Videsh holds stakes in oil and gas projects.
Counter-Terrorism Dialogue: Both sides discussed cooperation against cross-border terrorism, signalling easing tensions.
Humanitarian Cooperation: Azerbaijan helped facilitate the evacuation of over 200 Indians from Iran, contributing to an improved diplomatic atmosphere.
Future Engagement: Next round of Foreign Office Consultations scheduled in New Delhi, indicating continued engagement.