North India Statesman
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News India Live, Digital Desk: A major upheaval is being seen on the stage of international diplomacy. The Muslim majority country which once openly supported Pakistan during ‘Operation Sindoor’ Azerbaijan Now it is busy in redefining its relations with India. After the recent high-level talks held in Baku, it has become clear that Azerbaijan now wants to leave behind the old bitterness and increase strategic and economic partnership with India. This change is being considered very important not only for the politics of South Asia but also for the politics of Central Asia.
What was ‘Operation Sindoor’ and why did relations deteriorate?
A major reason for the sourness in the relations between India and Azerbaijan has been Azerbaijan’s inclination towards Pakistan on ‘Operation Sindoor’ and Kashmir issue. The ‘Three Brothers’ alliance of Pakistan, Türkiye and Azerbaijan had taken stand against India several times in international forums. Azerbaijan received military and moral support from Pakistan during its war with Armenia, in return for which it supported Pakistan’s narrative on the Kashmir issue. However, changing global equations have now forced Baku to rethink its foreign policy.
Disillusionment with Pakistan and increasing closeness to India
Experts believe that Azerbaijan has now understood that Pakistan’s economic condition and its global credibility are continuously declining. On the other hand, India is emerging as the fifth largest economy in the world. Azerbaijan needs a big market for its energy (oil and gas), and it cannot see a better option than India. This is why Baku has now started abandoning the ‘Pakistan card’ and focusing on trade and investment agreements with India.
China trying to become a peacemaker, strategy to corner India?
Another major factor behind this ‘reset’ between Azerbaijan and India is China. China is currently pretending to be a ‘peacemaker’ between Central Asia and the Gulf countries. Recently, China has tried to resolve the dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the real objective of which is to strategically encircle India. India’s growing friendship with Azerbaijan will work to weaken China’s ‘String of Pearls’. India needs to improve relations with Azerbaijan INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) It will prove to be a lifesaver for others also.
New beginning: Cooperation will range from defense to energy
Trade, energy security and connectivity between the two countries were discussed in detail in the recent meetings held in Baku. India is now looking at Azerbaijan not just as an oil exporting country, but as a gateway to Eurasia. If Azerbaijan maintains its neutrality on the Kashmir issue, it will be a major diplomatic victory for India. Defense agreements are also being expected between the two countries in the coming time, which can prove to be a big blow for Pakistan.
