External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions on terrorism, security issues, and common threats during his visit to Baku, Azerbaijan on Friday, 23 October 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed. The visit, described as a follow-up to a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek, signals a deliberate effort by New Delhi to deepen ties with the South Caucasus nation.

What Was Discussed

Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that security and terrorism figured prominently in the talks. 'Security issues, terrorism, and the common threats that we face were discussed. Both countries agreed that they must cooperate, collaborate to enhance peace, prosperity, and security of their people, and also work towards shared challenges that they have,' Jaiswal said, responding to questions on whether cross-border terrorism was specifically raised.

Jaishankar also called on President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, conveying the personal greetings of both Prime Minister Modi and President Droupadi Murmu to the Azerbaijani leader. The two sides discussed how to advance various aspects of their bilateral relationship, according to the MEA.

Bilateral Ties: Trade, Energy and Connectivity

Jaishankar held what Jaiswal described as a 'productive' and 'detailed' discussion with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. The two ministers agreed to deepen political consultations and expand economic cooperation. Key areas flagged included trade and investment, connectivity, and collaboration in the energy sector — all increasingly relevant given India's interest in diversifying energy partnerships and exploring transit corridors through the Caucasus region.

Jaiswal noted that the two countries share 'a strong cultural understanding,' which he said provides a firm foundation for broadening the relationship going forward. Both sides also agreed to facilitate exchange visits, including trade visits, pointing to momentum on the economic track.

India Welcomes Azerbaijan-Armenia Peace Agreement

On the regional dimension, Jaishankar and Bayramov exchanged perspectives on both regional and global developments. The MEA reiterated India's position in favour of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. 'India, we have a position on the peace agreement. We welcome the peace agreement that has been signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia,' Jaiswal said.

This marks a notable signal from New Delhi, which has historically maintained equidistance in the Azerbaijan-Armenia dispute while building ties with both nations.

India Thanks Azerbaijan for Iran Evacuation Support

In a gesture that underscored the practical dimension of the bilateral relationship, Jaishankar personally thanked Foreign Minister Bayramov for Azerbaijan's support in evacuating Indian students from Iran when the conflict erupted in West Asia. The acknowledgement reflects the value New Delhi places on Baku's role as a reliable partner during regional crises.

Jaishankar also extended a formal invitation to Bayramov to visit India, and congratulated Azerbaijan for successfully hosting the recent CICA (Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia) meeting, at which Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh represented India.

Strategic Context

The Baku visit is part of a broader Indian diplomatic push in Eurasia, with the SCO framework providing fresh momentum for bilateral engagements. Azerbaijan's importance to India spans energy supply chains, the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and emerging connectivity routes that bypass traditional chokepoints. This is the second high-level bilateral touchpoint between the two nations in quick succession, indicating New Delhi's intent to upgrade the relationship beyond routine diplomatic contact.