India blocks Azerbaijan’s SCO bid

September 02, 2025 (MLN): Azerbaijan’s attempt to secure full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has faced resistance from India, while China has backed Baku’s inclusion, according to reports in Azerbaijani media.

The reports highlight that New Delhi opposed Azerbaijan’s application, citing the country’s strong alliance with Pakistan. India’s stance is viewed in Baku as a move to counterbalance Pakistan’s support for Azerbaijan in international forums.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO summit, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reportedly accused India of using multilateral platforms to settle scores with Baku.

He also congratulated Pakistan on its diplomatic achievements against India, reaffirming the closeness of the two countries.

Observers note that India has grown increasingly uneasy over the strengthening “brotherly ties” between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

The SCO, founded in 2001, brings together major regional powers. Current members include China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Belarus became the latest full member in July 2024, while several other states maintain observer or dialogue partner status.

Nepal aspires to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said speaking at the SCO Plus summit in Tianjin, TASS reports.

Highlighting Nepal’s status as an SCO dialogue partner since 2016, KP Sharma Oli added, “Nepal looks forward to getting admitted as a full member.”

According to him, the SCO should strive for even greater cohesion and resilience in the face of deepening geopolitical, economic and environmental shocks.

“In these turbulent times, regional cooperation is a tool for addressing common problems. Nepal’s commitment to regional cooperation is unwavering, and relations with SCO members are strong,” Nepal’s head of government said.

Copyright Mettis Link News