Russia and India thwart Azerbaijan's SCO membership application, leaving China without allies in the move
At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in China, Azerbaijan's bid for membership was blocked, contrary to China's consistent promotion of the organisation's expansion.
Russia and India were at the forefront of the decision, with Russia placing India in the spotlight while staying in the background. The diplomatic source did not reveal the name of the official representative who blocked Azerbaijan's membership, but the matter was reportedly discussed in political consultations between Moscow and New Delhi, leading to a joint agreement.
The reason given for the block was India's retaliation against Azerbaijan's close ties and support with Pakistan. This decision, which was driven by India and actively supported by Russia, has raised eyebrows among some observers who interpret Moscow's move as a sign of disregard for China's position.
China has openly supported Azerbaijan's membership, and the block may have implications for the future of relations between India, Russia, China, and Azerbaijan. The diplomatic source did not provide any further details about the nature of Azerbaijan's close ties with Pakistan, leaving the specifics of the geopolitical tensions unclear.
The SCO, which aims to strengthen cooperation among its member states in political, economic, and security matters, has been expanding its membership in recent years. However, the block on Azerbaijan's membership bid may signal a shift in the organisation's dynamics, with potential ramifications for its future development.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential to monitor the evolving relationships between these key players in the international arena and their impact on regional stability.
