India has reportedly blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), according to Azerbaijani broadcaster AnewZ. The report noted that while China continues to support Azerbaijan’s bid, India’s decision is linked to Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Azerbaijan had earlier issued a statement condemning violence against Pakistan, expressing concern over rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Turkey was also mentioned as a country that openly supported Pakistan during the same period. The report criticized India for violating multilateral diplomacy principles and the “Shanghai Spirit,” suggesting that bilateral disputes should not be brought to multilateral platforms.

Separately, on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

PM Modi highlighted discussions on deepening cooperation in trade, fertilizers, space, security, and culture, while also exchanging views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. He emphasized that India-Russia strategic partnership remains a key pillar of regional and global stability.