After a year of strained relations between India and Azerbaijan over Operation Sindoor, the two countries have agreed to reset ties, with senior officials meeting in Baku for the 6th round of Foreign Office consultations. The talks, held on Friday between Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West) Sibi George and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov, mark the first such discussions since 2022, following disputes over Azerbaijan-Pakistan and India-Armenia relations.
The MEA said both sides “comprehensively reviewed” bilateral relations, covering trade, technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, energy, culture, people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation against cross-border terrorism.
Azerbaijan has recently resumed crude oil exports to India, which account for 98% of its exports to the country, while ONGC Videsh continues to hold stakes in oil and gas fields and an energy pipeline in Azerbaijan.
The focus on cross-border terrorism reflects lingering sensitivities after last year’s tensions, when New Delhi was angered by Azerbaijan’s condemnation of India’s strikes on Pakistani targets during Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attacks. At the time, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry had condemned attacks against Pakistan and urged all parties to resolve conflicts diplomatically. The backdrop includes Azerbaijan’s close strategic partnership with Pakistan, particularly regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute, and accusations that India provided arms to Armenia.
In September 2025, during talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev also criticized India for allegedly blocking Azerbaijan’s bid to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. His office, however, emphasized that “brotherly relations take precedence above all.”
Relations have improved in recent months, aided by engagement from the newly appointed Indian Ambassador to Baku, Abhay Kumar, and Azerbaijan’s assistance to over 200 Indian nationals fleeing U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. The MEA highlighted Azerbaijan’s support in facilitating safe exits for Indians through the land border.
During Friday’s consultations, both sides agreed to resolve differences through open dialogue. Mr. George also met Azerbaijan’s Foreign Policy Adviser to President Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, reviewing bilateral ties and exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The next round of talks is scheduled to take place in Delhi, according to the MEA.
