Azerbaijan has claimed that India is taking “revenge” against Baku at international forums because of its deep ties with Pakistan. The accusation comes after Azerbaijani media reported that New Delhi blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Azerbaijan Accuses India of Revenge on Global Stage
According to reports from Azerbaijani outlets, observers saw India’s move as a direct response to Baku’s open support for Islamabad during “Operation Sindoor.” That military operation was India’s response to terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Azerbaijani press went further to say that India’s decision was against the “principles of multilateral diplomacy.” They alleged that New Delhi used its position inside the SCO to keep Azerbaijan out because of political tensions connected to Pakistan.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a major regional grouping that includes countries such as China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian states. Countries seeking stronger political, economic, and security ties within the Eurasian region consider full membership in the SCO important. Azerbaijan, which currently participates in SCO activities, has been pushing for full membership for several years.
Aliyev Praises Pakistan and Points Finger at India
The matter gained more weight after Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev publicly praised Pakistan during his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the Chinese city of Tianjin. In the meeting, Aliyev congratulated Islamabad for what he described as a “victory over India” during a recent military conflict earlier this year.
He also said that despite India’s alleged actions in the SCO, Azerbaijan would continue to put its “brotherhood” with Pakistan first. According to Turkish daily Daily Sabah, Aliyev spoke about the strong political, cultural, and strategic ties between the two countries.
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Aliyev also held talks with Sharif about expanding cooperation through the Azerbaijani-Pakistani intergovernmental commission. Discussions covered trade, economy, and closer coordination between Baku and Islamabad. Reports highlighted that Azerbaijan views Pakistan not only as a political ally but also as an economic and defense partner.
Observers read this strong endorsement of Pakistan as a clear sign of Azerbaijan’s position in the long-running tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. By openly backing Pakistan, Baku has put itself at odds with India in key regional and international forums.
Media Reports on SCO Block and Growing Azerbaijan-Pakistan Ties
Adding to the controversy, Azerbaijani television broadcaster AnewZ claimed that India has blocked Azerbaijan’s SCO application more than once. Their report suggested that this was not the first time New Delhi opposed Baku’s bid.
The broadcaster also linked the issue to Pakistan’s recent announcement that it would consider establishing diplomatic relations with Armenia. According to the report, Pakistan’s move was coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s so-called “peace agenda.” This showed that the relationship between Islamabad and Baku extends into sensitive diplomatic matters.
During Operation Sindoor, when India carried out strikes against terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Azerbaijan issued a statement expressing its concern about the escalation of tension between India and Pakistan. Baku’s statement did not back India’s security concerns directly, but instead showed solidarity with Pakistan at a time of sharp military tensions.
Over the past few years, Azerbaijan has steadily increased its defense, trade, and regional cooperation with Pakistan. Both countries have conducted joint military exercises, exchanged defense technologies, and supported each other in international forums. This growing bond has become a point of friction with India, which sees Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism.
Azerbaijan’s support for Islamabad is not limited to security issues. The two countries have also strengthened their ties in education, energy, and infrastructure projects. Reports suggest that their cooperation now covers a broad range of areas, making their partnership a central part of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.
The latest dispute over the SCO membership bid adds another layer to the already tense triangle between India, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan. While Baku continues to seek full entry into the SCO, New Delhi’s position highlights how international groupings can become arenas for regional rivalries.