This old friend of Islamabad is strengthening ties with India, the huge tension in Pakistan is Pakistani, and rationality is…
The country even sent a message of condolences to India after the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam.
Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Azerbaijan’s position has surprised many. Traditionally, Azerbaijan is a close friend of Pakistan and is now strengthening relations with India. Starting from July this year, direct flights between Ahmedabad and Baku will begin. Azal, the national airline of Azerbaijan, already operates flights to Mumbai and Delhi. Flights from Mumbai to Baku will run on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, starting from June 16, with flights daily. Baku-Delhi flights run on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
In recent years, the tourism industry from India to Azerbaijan has developed significantly, with the largest number of Indian tourists in 2024. Azerbaijan also sent Soda Ash to India for the first time through its Caspian shipping company’s ship “Khojaly”, which recently docked in Kattupalli and Kandla Ports.
Importantly, during the recent visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made no comments on the Kashmir issue. After the terrorist attack on Pahalgam, Azerbaijan even sent a message of condolences to India.
Azerbaijan is becoming an important energy partner in India. Indian oil companies have invested in Azerbaijan and this year, during India’s Energy Week, the two countries signed an agreement to explore further opportunities in the energy sector.
The start of Ahmedabad-Baku flights is expected to further promote trade and tourism between the two countries. The relationship between India and Azerbaijan is becoming increasingly stable. Once part of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan is now building closer ties with India while maintaining historic friendship with Pakistan.
Pakistan, on the other hand, claims that it has received support from three countries amid tensions with India: China, Türkiye and Azerbaijan. However, experts say Azerbaijan follows an independent foreign policy, which is a link based on its interests. Although Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan may be symbolic or issue-specific, it is growing with India’s economic interests. India’s rapid economic development provides huge trade and investment opportunities for Azerbaijan.
