Azerbaijan–India relations

India's bilateral trade with Azerbaijan has been growing steadily in recent years. India has a well-established pharmaceutical industry in Azerbaijan and many Indian pharmaceutical companies operate out of Azerbaijan. Some items of direct and indirect imports from India include clothes and textiles, information technologies, food items and heavy machinery, electronic cards, steam boilers and other plant equipment.[1][2][3][4]

The volume of trade has increased from 50 million dollars (2005) to 250 million (2015). India's main import from Azerbaijan is crude oil.[4]

Both sides play a role in constructing the Gazvin-Rasht-Astara (Iran)-Astara (Azerbaijan) railway route as part of the International North–South Transport Corridor. Initially, it is proposed to transport about six million metric tonnes each year and more in the future through this route. It is projected to improve trade relations between Iran and Azerbaijan and at a further stage other countries including India and Russia may also benefit.[7]

Cultural ties between Azerbaijan and India are close. The eminent Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi was well known from the times of Amir Khusrau, one of the famous poet and music composer in 1800s. Some other important names are Rashid Behbudov, a famous singer who was also the friend of the Indian actor Raj Kapoor. Azeri artist Rashid Behbudov also promoted Azeri music and art in both countries. Elmira Rahimova, an Azeri singer, also studied Indian dance and music while staying in India.

Hindu temples can be found in Baku.

Former President of India Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Baku during the Soviet era. India recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991. India's Permanent Mission in Baku was opened in 1999 and Azerbaijan's representative center was opened in New-Delhi in 2004.[4] The first bilateral agreement was signed in June 1998. The agreement was the "Economic and Technical Cooperation Treaty" which led to establishment of the Indian-Azerbaijani intergovernmental commission of trade. Other treaties include:[8][4]

• Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation (April 2007)
• Agreement on Air Communication Between the Government of the Azerbaijan and the Government of India (April 2013)
• Agreement on Legal and Judicial Assistance to Civil and Commercial Affairs Between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of India
• Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
• Treaty on Deliveries between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of India
• Protocol on Cooperation Between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs
• Protocol on the Ratification of the Treaty on Legal and Judicial Assistance for Civil and Commercial Affairs[4][8]

• Foreign relations of Azerbaijan
• Foreign relations of India