Azerbaijan has accused India of blocking its bid for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), linking New Delhi’s stance to Baku’s close relationship with Pakistan.

During a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tianjin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Islamabad on what he described as its “victory” over India in a recent military conflict. He said that, despite India’s actions in global forums, Azerbaijan would continue to prioritise its “brotherhood” with Pakistan.

Stronger Ties With Pakistan

Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan’s partnership with Pakistan is rooted in political, cultural and strategic ties. He also discussed boosting trade and economic cooperation through the Azerbaijani-Pakistani intergovernmental commission.

Azerbaijani media, quoting broadcaster AnewZ, claimed that India “once again” blocked Baku’s membership request at the SCO. Reports suggested the move was connected to Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India’s military response against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Regional Dynamics

Azerbaijan openly expressed solidarity with Pakistan at the time, voicing concern over escalating tensions between the two South Asian neighbours. In recent years, Baku has also expanded defence and trade ties with Islamabad, deepening its alignment in the region.

India has not officially commented on the allegations.

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