A year after tensions over Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan to reset ties, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• India and Azerbaijan held the 6th round of Foreign Office consultations in Baku, the first since 2022.
• Discussions covered trade, technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, energy, culture, and counter-terrorism.
• Azerbaijan is a key crude oil exporter to India, constituting 98% of its exports.
• Tensions arose last year due to Operation Sindoor and differing views on Azerbaijan-Pakistan and India-Armenia relations.

Detailed Insights:

• Operation Sindoor led to diplomatic tensions after Azerbaijan condemned India's strikes on Pakistani sites.
• Azerbaijan and Pakistan maintain a close strategic partnership due to Islamabad's support in the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.
• India has concerns over cross-border terrorism, which was a point of discussion during the consultations.
• ONGC Videsh has investments in Azerbaijan's oil and gas fields and energy pipeline infrastructure.
• Both sides agreed to resolve differences through open dialogue, signaling a move towards improved relations.

How UPSC asks Questions on this:

UPSC Prelims 2023

Key Concepts Involved:

• Operation Sindoor: India's military operation that caused diplomatic tensions with Azerbaijan.
• Nagorno-Karabakh Dispute: A territorial conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
• Foreign Office Consultations: Diplomatic talks between countries to review bilateral relations.