Tianjin / September 2, 2025 — Azerbaijan has accused India of intentionally blocking its bid for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), citing Baku’s close strategic ties with Pakistan as the underlying reason. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made the remarks while addressing Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the SCO summit in Tianjin, highlighting the country’s continued “brotherhood” with Pakistan.
The Times of IndiaSwarajyaMoneycontrol
India Vetoes Azerbaijan’s SCO Membership Candidacy
According to Azerbaijani media, India once again opposed granting full SCO membership to Baku, breaking from the principles of multilateral diplomacy and the SCO’s “Shanghai Spirit.” Analysts linked India’s veto to Azerbaijan’s recent support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
SwarajyaMoneycontrolCaspian PostThe Economic Times
Baku Claims Strategic Alignment with Pakistan
President Aliyev underscored that, despite India’s opposition, Azerbaijan will maintain its alignment with Pakistan. This stance includes continued collaboration in military and cultural spheres, and ongoing work via the Azerbaijani-Pakistani intergovernmental commission to advance trade and energy cooperation.
SwarajyaMoneycontrolDaily SabahWikipedia
China Supports Azerbaijan Despite India’s Objection
While India blocked the membership bid, China expressed outright support for Azerbaijan’s SCO application, suggesting Baku’s inclusion aligns with the organization’s core ideals.
Caspian Post+1Baku.ws
Domestic Backlash and Economic Pushback
In India, this development has catalyzed economic reactions. Calls to boycott Turkish and Azerbaijani goods have surged, with the Assam Chamber of Commerce recommending that traders cease business with both countries.
The Economic TimesThe Times of India
What This Means for SCO Dynamics
- India’s strategic veto highlights persistent geopolitical tensions within the SCO, especially in balancing ties between India, Pakistan, and member states.
- Azerbaijan’s defiance and China’s support could signal shifting alliances within the bloc.
- The episode underscores how bilateral disputes can affect multilateral institutions, potentially weakening their cohesion.
