External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday, 23 October met Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku, with the host nation expressing confidence that bilateral ties with India were heading toward 'higher levels,' underpinned by expanding cooperation in energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and transport corridors. The visit marks a significant diplomatic touchpoint in the India-Azerbaijan relationship, building on recent leadership-level engagement.

A 'Long, Positive and Fruitful' Exchange

Bayramov described the discussions as 'long, positive and fruitful,' covering bilateral, regional and global issues. He characterised the visit as a logical continuation of the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek last month. The diplomatic momentum signals that the India-Azerbaijan relationship is being deliberately elevated beyond symbolic summits.

Trade and Economic Ties: Scope for Growth

Bayramov noted that bilateral trade currently stands at around $600 million this year, acknowledging that this figure 'did not reflect the full potential of the two countries.' He highlighted that India's ONGC had increased its participating interest in a major oil and gas project in Azerbaijan, and that more than 1,000 Indian companies are currently operating in the country. Energy, agriculture and pharmaceuticals were identified as the most promising sectors for deeper collaboration.

Transport Corridors and Strategic Geography

Azerbaijan's geographical position as a bridge between east-west and north-south trade routes was flagged as a key asset. Bayramov emphasised the importance of transport corridors — a reference to Azerbaijan's role in both the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and broader Eurasian connectivity frameworks. This comes amid India's sustained push to diversify trade routes and reduce dependence on traditional maritime channels, making Baku a strategically valuable partner.

People-to-People and Cultural Links

On the softer side of diplomacy, Bayramov pointed to two direct flights currently operating between Baku and Delhi, approximately 500 Indian students enrolled in Azerbaijani universities in the current academic year, and more than 30 Indian films shot on location in Azerbaijan in recent years. These indicators reflect a broadening relationship beyond purely strategic or economic interests.

Jaishankar Calls on President Aliyev

Earlier on Friday, Jaishankar also called on President Aliyev in Baku. 'Pleased to call on Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in Baku this morning. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi. Discussed strengthening the relationship between our two countries. Appreciate his positive sentiments for this shared endeavour,' Jaishankar posted on X. The two sides also discussed regional developments, including the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, tensions in the Middle East, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. As both nations deepen engagement, attention will now turn to whether the optimism in Baku translates into concrete agreements, particularly on energy partnerships and corridor access.