Overview of India's Diplomatic Engagement
New Delhi's recent diplomatic initiatives to re-engage with Turkiye and Azerbaijan mark a significant policy shift by the Indian government. This change follows a period of strained relations post the India-Pakistan conflict and Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Past Tensions and Diplomatic Strain
- The Indian government expressed dissatisfaction with countries like Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Malaysia for supporting Pakistan diplomatically or militarily during past conflicts.
- Operation Sindoor, a 96-hour military operation in May 2025, saw India excluding envoys from countries that did not support its actions against Pakistan.
- Trade and tourism with Turkiye and Azerbaijan were adversely affected due to calls for boycotts from influential sources.
- India advised against using Turkiye or Azerbaijan for land routes during the evacuation of Indians from Iran in June 2025 following US-Israel airstrikes.
Strategic Alliances and Foreign Policy
- India was observed to be forming alliances with nations like Armenia and Greece to counter the trilateral grouping of Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye.
- The decision to revive diplomatic talks with Azerbaijan and invite the Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister indicates mutual interest in improving bilateral relations.
Future Considerations
- In a complex global environment with escalating conflicts, India recognizes the need to choose its diplomatic engagements wisely.
- India must approach its relations with adversaries, such as Turkiye and Azerbaijan, with pragmatic strategies rather than emotional reactions.
- The aim is to maintain balanced relations with rival factions without aligning too closely with any specific group or nation, avoiding multilateral "camps."
