Jaishankar and Bayramov set out steps to rebuild India–Azerbaijan ties
India and Azerbaijan agreed to deepen political consultations, exchange visits and develop economic and transport ties during S. Jaishankar’s visit to Baku. The talks followed tensions over India’s strikes against Pakistan in May 2025. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov acknowledged differences while calling the discussions productive. The visit was the first bilateral trip by an Indian foreign minister in eight years.
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Baku talks set out closer political and economic ties
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, on 23 October. Jaishankar said the countries agreed to deepen political consultations, exchange visits and develop economic activity, transport connections and ties between their peoples. The ministers discussed trade, investment, energy, tourism and culture. Bayramov described their discussions as positive and productive while acknowledging past differences.[1], [2]
The visit follows tensions over India’s strikes on Pakistan
Relations had deteriorated after Azerbaijan condemned India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May 2025. Azerbaijan also raised the Kashmir dispute at international meetings. At an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meeting on 22 September, Bayramov called for a peaceful settlement under international law and United Nations resolutions. In Baku, Jaishankar welcomed the initialling of a peace agreement by Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s leaders last August and expressed hope for lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy.[1]
Energy investment and air connections remain on the agenda
Bayramov highlighted Indian investment in Azerbaijan’s energy sector, expanding air connections and the presence of Indian students. The visit was the first bilateral trip by an Indian foreign minister in eight years. Jaishankar and Bayramov had met in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, in January 2024. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Aliyev also met at last month’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Those contacts preceded the latest agreement to deepen bilateral consultations.[1]
