Azerbaijan accuses India of blocking SCO membership bid over Pakistan ties

The Azerbaijani President, during the SCO summit, also stated that Baku would prioritise its “brotherhood” with Islamabad despite New Delhi’s actions at global forums, citing long-standing political, cultural and security ties.

Azerbaijan has reportedly accused India of blocking its bid for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), linking the move to New Delhi’s opposition to Baku’s close strategic ties with Pakistan.

According to Azerbaijani broadcaster AnewZ, India has “once again” opposed Azerbaijan’s application at the SCO summit in Tianjin, while China expressed support for Baku’s membership.

The outlet has claimed that New Delhi's decision violated the principles of multilateral diplomacy and the “Shanghai Spirit". It further argues that bilateral disputes should not be transferred to multilateral forums.

It should be noted here that the latest flashpoint comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, launched as a retaliation to the heinous April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people.

Azerbaijan, to be mentioned here, had openly backed Islamabad during the Indian military forces' cross-border operation, issuing a statement condemning violence against Pakistan and calling for de-escalation.

"The Republic of Azerbaijan expresses its concern over the further escalation of tension between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan," it had noted.

During the SCO summit held on August 31 and September 1, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tianjin and congratulated him on what he described as Pakistan’s “victory” over India in the recent military confrontation. Aliyev had also stated that Baku would prioritise its “brotherhood” with Islamabad despite New Delhi’s actions at global forums, citing long-standing political, cultural and security ties.

According to state media reports, both leaders also discussed strengthening defence, trade and economic cooperation under the Azerbaijani-Pakistani intergovernmental commission.

In fact, Azerbaijan has further strengthened its defence and trade ties with Pakistan in recent years, while Turkey has also consistently supported Islamabad in its disputes with India.

Pakistan has, in the meantime, moved to expand diplomatic engagement with Armenia, reportedly in coordination with Baku’s regional peace agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the same SCO summit, held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin this Monday. The Prime Minister said the two leaders discussed trade, space, fertilisers, security, cultural ties, and global developments, including Ukraine.