Rebuilding ties, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• India is re-engaging diplomatically with Turkiye and Azerbaijan after a period of strained relations following Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had previously expressed disappointment with Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia for their statements questioning India's strikes on terror sites in Pakistan.
• Trade and tourism to Turkiye and Azerbaijan saw a decline due to boycott calls after the India-Pakistan conflict.
• Secretary West in the MEA, Sibi George, was sent to Baku to revive Foreign Office Consultations with Azerbaijan.

Detailed Insights:

• Following Operation Sindoor, India excluded envoys from countries perceived as not showing solidarity, and a military briefing mentioned Turkiye as an adversary on the border with Pakistan.
• Azerbaijan was believed to have provided technological support to Pakistan during the conflict, further straining relations with India.
• During the evacuation of Indians from Iran in June 2025, the MEA advised using Armenia and Turkmenistan for land routes, avoiding Turkiye and Azerbaijan.
• India was perceived to be forming an alliance with Armenia and Greece to counter the trilateral grouping of Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye.
• The recent diplomatic moves indicate that both Baku and Ankara recognize the benefits of improved bilateral relations with India.
• India needs to be more pragmatic in its diplomatic approach, avoiding quick escalations and considering options with less emotion.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Operation Sindoor: A 96-hour military conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025.
• Foreign Office Consultations: Diplomatic discussions between foreign ministry officials of different countries.
• Bilateral Relations: Interactions and relationships between two countries, covering political, economic, and cultural aspects.