India-Azerbaijan relations could reach “higher levels”, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said following External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Baku. The two countries discussed expanding cooperation in energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and transport connectivity. Bayramov estimated bilateral trade at around $600 million this year and noted the presence of more than 1,000 Indian companies in Azerbaijan.
India-Azerbaijan Relations Focus on Trade and Investment
Bayramov described his meeting with Jaishankar as valuable, positive and fruitful. The discussions covered bilateral ties and regional and international developments. He also linked the visit to ongoing diplomatic engagement following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek last month.
Bayramov said bilateral trade stood at around $600 million this year, adding that the figure remained below the relationship’s potential. He highlighted the growing role of Indian businesses in Azerbaijan, including ONGC’s increased participating interest in a major oil and gas project.
Energy, agriculture and pharmaceuticals emerged as key areas for further commercial cooperation. The presence of more than 1,000 Indian companies in Azerbaijan also reflects the scope for continued business engagement.
Energy and Connectivity Offer Scope for Cooperation
Transport connectivity featured prominently in the discussions. Bayramov highlighted Azerbaijan’s strategic position along east-west and north-south transport corridors, which could support greater regional trade and logistics cooperation.
People-to-people exchanges also contribute to bilateral engagement. Bayramov noted that two direct flights connect Baku and Delhi. Around 500 Indian students joined Azerbaijani universities this year, while more than 30 Indian films have been shot in Azerbaijan in recent years.
These links provide additional avenues for cooperation across tourism, education, aviation and cultural exchange.
Jaishankar Meets Azerbaijani Leadership
During his visit, Jaishankar called on President Ilham Aliyev and conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the discussions focused on strengthening relations between the two countries and thanked Aliyev for his positive sentiments towards their shared objective.
Jaishankar and Bayramov also exchanged views on regional and international developments. Their discussions covered the South Caucasus, the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, tensions in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war.
The visit has renewed focus on expanding India-Azerbaijan relations across trade, energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and transport connectivity. Sustained business engagement and progress on specific projects will be important in translating diplomatic discussions into stronger commercial ties.
