Story perspectives

Jaishankar and Aliyev Agree Closer North-South Corridor Coordination

By Drooid · Oct 24, 2026, 4:21 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on 23 October 2026.
They discussed expanding economic, energy and transport cooperation to reset relations after 2025 tensions.
Both sides agreed to coordinate more closely on the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Jaishankar thanked Azerbaijan for evacuating Indian students from Iran earlier in the year.
He conveyed President Droupadi Murmu’s and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to Aliyev.

History

Historical Context

In 2016 India, Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan formally launched the 7,200-km International North-South Transport Corridor, building on 2014 dry-run tests and the Ashgabat Agreement that took effect that April. The route promises freight costs up to 30 % lower and travel 40 % shorter than the Suez path. Jaishankar’s October 2026 meeting with President Ilham Aliyev revisits this initiative to deepen energy and trade ties.

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Story summary

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on 23 October 2026.
They discussed expanding economic, energy and transport cooperation to reset relations after 2025 tensions.
Both sides agreed to coordinate more closely on the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Jaishankar thanked Azerbaijan for evacuating Indian students from Iran earlier in the year.
He conveyed President Droupadi Murmu’s and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to Aliyev.

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