Azerbaijan Accuses India of Blocking its SCO Membership. Tensions Escalate Due to Pak-Azerbaijan Relations and Operation Sindoora. India Denies Allegations. Diplomatic Dialogue Between the Two Countries Becomes Crucial.
SCO Summit: Azerbaijan has recently leveled serious accusations against India. They claim that India attempted to block Azerbaijan's full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Azerbaijani media reports suggest this move is a result of India's "retaliatory spirit" and a violation of the principles of multilateral diplomacy. According to Azerbaijan, India's stance is due to Baku's deep and b ties with Pakistan.
Azerbaijan's Support for Pakistan in Operation Sindoora Controversy
The dispute is believed to be rooted in 'Operation Sindoora'. This was a military operation in which India took action against terrorist training camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. During this period, Azerbaijan openly supported Pakistan. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev confirmed this support during a meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tianjin, China. Aliyev stated that no matter how much India obstructs Azerbaijan on international platforms, Baku will further strengthen its "brotherly" friendship with Pakistan.
Aliyev clarified that Azerbaijan-Pakistan political, cultural, and strategic relations are continuously strengthening. The Azerbaijan-Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission is working to enhance trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. He also mentioned that both countries are building b partnerships in defense, trade, and regional security.
India's Stance on International Platforms
Azerbaijan accused India of obstructing their full membership in the SCO. India has not formally responded to its stance, but it is clear that India took this step keeping in mind the growing relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. This dispute has further intensified following PM Modi's visit to China at the SCO summit. India believes that the membership process of any country in international organizations and multilateral forums should adhere to rules and procedures.
Azerbaijan alleges that India has violated the principles of multilateral diplomacy and that this move is part of a "retaliatory spirit." On the other hand, India has clarified that its foreign policy is based solely on national interests and regional stability. India's stance has always been clear that it is not against any country and its policies are determined strictly from the perspective of its people and regional security.
Deepening Azerbaijan-Pakistan Relations
Relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan have significantly strengthened in recent years. Both countries have signed numerous agreements, particularly in the areas of defense and strategic cooperation, trade partnerships, and regional security. Azerbaijan's support for Pakistan during 'Operation Sindoora' has created tension in India-Azerbaijan relations.
This support has also clarified the positions of both countries on the SCO platform. Azerbaijan asserts that despite India's efforts, it will continue to strengthen its strategic partnership with Pakistan. Economic and cultural exchanges are also steadily increasing under Azerbaijan-Pakistan cooperation.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) aims to promote regional cooperation and multilateral dialogue. SCO member countries include Russia, China, India, and some Central Asian countries. Through this organization, member countries collaborate on trade, security, and technological cooperation. Azerbaijan's accusation that India obstructed its membership process in this organization raises questions about the SCO's core objectives.
