India and Azerbaijan United Against Terrorism, Push for Peace and Progress
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets Azerbaijani leaders to discuss peace, trade, and the International North-South Transport Corridor.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has underscored a powerful alignment between New Delhi and Baku, stating that India and Azerbaijan share a common interest in promoting peace, progress, and prosperity. During a high-profile visit to the Azerbaijani capital, the Minister identified terrorism, instability, and conflict as the primary shared adversaries that both nations must combat.
A Push for Diplomacy and Regional Stability
Speaking during a joint press statement with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, EAM Jaishankar highlighted India's commitment to a world where disputes are settled through dialogue rather than conflict. He specifically pointed to the historic agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia in August of last year, welcoming the move and expressing optimism that it would pave the way for a durable and lasting peace in the region.
The discussions extended beyond bilateral ties to cover critical global flashpoints in the Middle East, West Asia, Europe, and Eurasia. Jaishankar noted that the global implications of these conflicts have created significant hurdles for the economies of the Global South, particularly affecting the availability and cost of:
- Food
- Fuel
- Fertiliser
- Finance
Strengthening Economic and Strategic Bonds
The two ministers engaged in extensive talks to broaden bilateral cooperation, with a sharp focus on economic partnerships. Given the complementary nature of their economies, Jaishankar believes there is substantial room to grow trade and investment. Energy sectors also featured prominently in these discussions as both nations look to enhance their mutual interests.
The Connectivity Game-Changer
A key pillar of the conversation was the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Recognizing the importance of connectivity in a globalized market, both India and Azerbaijan reaffirmed their commitment to the corridor and agreed to coordinate more closely to optimize its potential. Additionally, the Minister emphasized the need to expand air connectivity to further deepen people-to-people and business ties.
Gratitude for Humanitarian Support
In a moment of diplomatic gratitude, EAM Jaishankar thanked Minister Bayramov for Azerbaijan's critical assistance in evacuating Indian nationals, especially students, from Iran during the conflict in West Asia earlier this year. He also expressed appreciation for the care and consideration provided to Indian students currently residing in Azerbaijan.
High-Level Engagements
The visit included a constructive and forward-looking meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. During this encounter, Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussing a wide array of bilateral relations and pressing global developments.
Concluding the productive sessions, EAM Jaishankar officially invited Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to visit India at his earliest convenience to continue building the pathway forward for the two nations.