Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on October 23, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring avenues for deeper cooperation between India and Azerbaijan. The meeting was part of Jaishankar’s official visit to the country, underscoring ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations.
During the discussions, Minister Jaishankar conveyed greetings from Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and expressed gratitude towards President Aliyev for his positive stance on strengthening ties. The visit highlighted a continued commitment from both sides to foster collaborative efforts across various sectors.
This meeting follows a series of recent diplomatic exchanges between India and Azerbaijan. On October 16, India’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Abhay Kumar, presented his credentials to President Aliyev, reaffirming India’s dedication to enhancing bilateral ties. Earlier in the month, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, attended the seventh summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku, where he emphasized India’s focus on peace, cooperation, and regional stability.
Further reinforcing these diplomatic engagements, Prime Minister Modi and President Aliyev met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 1. These interactions reflect a mutual interest in addressing common challenges and pursuing shared interests.
The recent talks in Baku underscore the strategic importance both countries place on strengthening their partnership. As India and Azerbaijan continue to explore opportunities for collaboration, the meetings highlight a shared vision for regional development and stability.