India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, met Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Friday in an effort to repair relations that soured last year, The Hindu reports.
Ties worsened after Azerbaijan condemned India's Operation Sindoor strikes on Pakistan in May 2025, and Baku has also spoken out on Kashmir at international meetings. Jaishankar said the visit had charted a way forward, with agreement to deepen political consultations, exchange visits, increase economic activity, improve connectivity and build links between people.
He also held talks with Foreign Minister Jayhun Bayramov, who acknowledged past differences but pointed to energy and tourism as areas for cooperation. Jaishankar voiced India's support for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, saying disputes should be settled through dialogue and diplomacy. The Hindu describes the visit as India's first major conciliatory step since the dispute.
Source: The Hindu National
