BEIJING — September 1, 2025. India has once again opposed granting Azerbaijan full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to reports by AnewZ.
At the same summit in China, Beijing reaffirmed its support for Baku’s application, stressing that it aligns with the principles of the “Shanghai Spirit.”
Sources familiar with the matter told that New Delhi’s decision runs counter to the multilateral ethos of the SCO, which discourages bringing bilateral disputes into the organization’s framework. They noted that India’s stance is closely tied to Azerbaijan’s close partnership with Pakistan.
In turn, Pakistan blocked Armenia’s membership bid, reflecting the reciprocal nature of these regional rivalries.
One source cited by the outlet added that such moves “do not alter Azerbaijan’s strategic course, but only highlight the limitations and shortsightedness of India’s policy.”
