SOURCE: AFI
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has officially extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) climate summit, which is scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to November 22. This annual climate summit, hosted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), will focus on global efforts to limit global warming, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and mobilize financing for these critical activities.
COP29 is set to be a significant event, drawing leaders, policymakers, scientists, and activists from around the world. The summit will serve as a platform for nations to discuss and negotiate strategies to mitigate climate change, enhance resilience, and secure the necessary funding to implement these measures. As the host nation, Azerbaijan is poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating these discussions and driving international cooperation.
The invitation to Prime Minister Modi is seen as a diplomatic gesture aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and India. However, this comes against a backdrop of regional tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics. Earlier this year, President Aliyev issued a warning against the sale of weapons systems to Armenia, a move that underscores the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Adding another layer to the geopolitical complexities, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to India, Elchin Huseynli, has also requested that India reconsider arming Armenia with Indian-made weapons. This request highlights the delicate balance of power in the region and the strategic considerations of various nations. It is worth noting that Azerbaijan Defence Analysts have often criticized Indian-made weapons and have aligned themselves with Pakistan on issues such as Kashmir.