India Blocks Azerbaijan’s SCO Membership Bid in Alleged Geopolitical Move

Azerbaijan has publicly accused India of blocking its full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The allegation was made during the recent SCO summit in Tianjin, China. This move is seen as a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The core of the dispute appears to be linked to Azerbaijan’s close relationship with Pakistan.

According to reports from Turkish media outlet Daily Sabah, the accusation was formally leveled by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He allegedly stated that India is seeking “revenge” against Baku on international platforms. This action directly ties back to Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan during a recent military operation.

Breaking Down the Diplomatic Standoff

Azerbaijani media has strongly criticized India’s position. Local broadcaster AnewZ claimed India “once again” opposed its application. The reports argue this violates the principles of multilateral diplomacy and the cooperative “Shanghai Spirit” the SCO is built upon.

They insist that bilateral disputes should not be brought into multilateral forums. China, a key SCO member, reportedly expressed support for Azerbaijan’s membership bid. This creates a clear divide within the organization’s decision-making process. India has not yet issued an official public response to these specific allegations.

The tension stems from a recent major event. President Aliyev met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the summit. Sharif thanked Azerbaijan for its solidarity with Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor in May.

Operation Sindoor: The Root of the Dispute

Operation Sindoor was a large-scale military action by the Indian armed forces. It targeted hideouts of banned terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The operation was conducted within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

It was a direct response to a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. That attack claimed the lives of 26 people, most of whom were tourists. Azerbaijan’s vocal support for Pakistan during this military confrontation is viewed as the primary catalyst for the current diplomatic friction with India.

This diplomatic row highlights the complex and interconnected nature of global alliances. The situation underscores how regional conflicts can spill over into broader international forums. The future of Azerbaijan’s SCO membership now hangs in the balance, dependent on behind-the-scenes negotiations.

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What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?

The SCO is a major Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. Its full members include China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and several Central Asian nations. It is one of the world’s largest regional organizations.

Why does Azerbaijan want to join the SCO?

Full membership would grant Azerbaijan greater influence in regional security and economic discussions. It seeks deeper integration with major powers in Eurasia and access to collaborative initiatives.

How has Pakistan responded to this situation?

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Azerbaijan for its support. He also separately told Russia’s president that Pakistan respects Moscow’s relationship with India while seeking stronger ties itself.

What was Operation Sindoor?

It was a counter-terrorism operation launched by India in May. The operation targeted terrorist camps in response to an attack that killed 26 people in Kashmir.

What is the “Shanghai Spirit”?

It refers to the SCO’s core principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, and consultation. It emphasizes respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development.