Azerbaijan Calls for Diplomatic Resolution Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

Azerbaijan Calls for Diplomatic Resolution Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

Published May 10, 2025 | IndyaStory Media Network Pvt. Ltd.

Amid renewed hostilities between India and Pakistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued a strong appeal for restraint and diplomacy, expressing concern over civilian casualties and escalating military action in the region.

“We condemn military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan that killed and injured several civilians. Standing in solidarity with the people of Pakistan, we offer our condolences to the victims’ families and wish a swift recovery to the injured,” stated Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

The statement called on both New Delhi and Islamabad to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful dialogue to avoid further regional instability.

India Launches Operation “Sindoor”

The latest escalation was triggered by India’s announcement of a military campaign, codenamed “Sindoor”, aimed at dismantling what it labeled as “terrorist infrastructure” within Pakistani territory. The operation follows the April 22 attack on tourists in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir, which New Delhi attributed to cross-border militants allegedly supported by Pakistan.

Islamabad, however, rejected the allegations and labeled India's military response as “unjustified and politically motivated.”

Pakistan Responds with Air Engagement

In retaliation, Pakistan's Defense Ministry reported ongoing military action, including an air combat operation. According to officials, Pakistani forces shot down five Indian aircraft, including:

• Three Rafale fighter jets

• One Su-30

• One MiG-29

Pakistan also claimed that India’s strikes resulted in multiple civilian casualties, targeting infrastructure near the border. The military standoff has once again drawn international attention to the volatile nature of the Kashmir dispute, one of the world’s most enduring territorial conflicts.

Historical Context: A Longstanding Dispute

India and Pakistan have contested the Kashmir region since their independence in 1947. The dispute has triggered three major wars—in 1947, 1965, and 1999—as well as numerous cross-border skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC), a 740-kilometer military demarcation line.

Although a ceasefire agreement in 2003 significantly reduced large-scale fighting, tensions have remained high due to regular exchanges of fire and politically charged incidents.

Both nations claim the entire Kashmir region, but each only controls a portion. Internationally, these are referred to as Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Pakistan advocates for the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people, favoring a referendum under the auspices of UN Security Council resolutions, which it argues should form the legal basis for a lasting settlement.

Azerbaijan’s Position: Solidarity with Pakistan

Azerbaijan has consistently aligned itself with Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir conflict. The South Caucasus nation has reiterated the need for adherence to international law and United Nations resolutions in resolving the issue.

“Azerbaijan’s approach is based on respect for international law and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” the Foreign Ministry emphasized.

In January 2021, foreign ministers from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan jointly condemned what they called “human rights violations” and demographic changes in Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for a peaceful settlement grounded in multilateral diplomacy.

Outlook: Global Implications

The latest escalation has the potential to destabilize an already fragile region and draw in broader international concern. With nuclear capabilities on both sides and a history of unresolved grievances, diplomatic engagement remains critical to avoid a wider conflict.

As tensions simmer, Azerbaijan’s call for de-escalation reflects a growing chorus of nations urging dialogue over aggression in one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints.