Media: Russia actively blocks Azerbaijan’s bid to join SCO

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in China, new details emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding Azerbaijan’s blocked membership in the organization.

According to information received by APA from diplomatic sources, the blockage of Azerbaijan’s membership was initiated not only by India—Russia also played an active role in the process.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs played a key role in this effort.

According to the source, the issue of blocking Azerbaijan’s membership in the SCO was discussed during political consultations between Russia and India, and the two sides reached a corresponding agreement. However, Russia positioned India at the forefront of the process while remaining in the background.

There is a view that this move by Russia can be seen as a sign of disrespect toward China. Beijing, in line with the “Shanghai spirit,” supports the expansion of the organisation and backed Azerbaijan’s membership. Nevertheless, at the recent summit in China, Russia and India, by blocking Azerbaijan’s accession, also demonstrated disregard for China.