Jaishankar and Azerbaijan FM Push for Strategic Connectivity and Transport Corridors
India and Azerbaijan explore North-South and East-West transport corridors, trade, and energy ties during EAM S Jaishankar's visit to Baku.
In a significant move to bolster strategic ties, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, in Baku to explore expansive opportunities in India Azerbaijan connectivity corridors, trade, and regional security.
Focus on Transport and Trade Hubs
The discussions between the two foreign ministers centered heavily on the potential of Azerbaijan's strategic geography. A primary point of focus was the prospects offered by the North–South and East–West transport corridors, which could redefine logistics and trade routes in the region.
The ministers specifically highlighted several key infrastructure assets, including:
- The Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway
- The Port of Baku
- The Alat Free Economic Zone
- Various other industrial hubs designed to attract investment
Beyond transport, the dialogue spanned a comprehensive agenda including political cooperation, energy security, investment, tourism, education, science, and cultural exchange.
Regional Stability and Global Cooperation
The meeting also touched upon critical geopolitical developments. FM Bayramov provided EAM Jaishankar with updates on the South Caucasus region, focusing on the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the implementation of confidence-building measures.
The conversation also addressed the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories and the persistent danger posed by landmines in those areas.
On the global stage, both leaders discussed how to enhance multilateral cooperation through several international platforms, including:
- The United Nations (UN)
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
- The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA)
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
Prior to the meeting with FM Bayramov, EAM Jaishankar called on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. During this interaction, the External Affairs Minister conveyed official greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing a shared desire to deepen the friendship between the two nations.
Taking to X, EAM Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in meeting President Aliyev and noted the President's positive sentiments toward strengthening the bilateral relationship.
Strengthening the Foundation
This diplomatic push follows the recent formal presentation of credentials by India's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Abhay Kumar, to President Aliyev. Ambassador Kumar has reaffirmed India's commitment to expanding bilateral relations and leveraging historical and cultural bonds that have existed for millennia.
The current engagements also build upon the previous meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Aliyev in Bishkek, underscoring a consistent effort by both nations to uncover new avenues for collaboration and mutual growth.