S Jaishankar Thanks Azerbaijan for Evacuation of Indian Citizens from Iran During West Asia Tensions

Jaishankar Thanks Azerbaijan for Helping Evacuate Indians from Iran

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed India's gratitude to Azerbaijan for facilitating the evacuation of Indian citizens from Iran amid heightened tensions in West Asia.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku on October 23, 2026, Jaishankar acknowledged Azerbaijan's assistance in helping Indian nationals, particularly students, leave Iran safely during the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

He said India appreciated the support provided by Azerbaijani authorities during a challenging period. The assistance highlighted the importance of international cooperation in protecting citizens when regional conflicts threaten their safety.

Indian Students Among Those Evacuated

Indian students were among the nationals who required assistance in leaving Iran as the security situation deteriorated.

Azerbaijan served as an important transit route for Indian citizens travelling out of Iran and onward to India. The evacuation efforts involved coordination between Indian diplomatic missions and authorities in neighbouring countries.

Earlier in the conflict, India had reported that hundreds of its citizens had transited through Azerbaijan after leaving Iran. The Indian Embassy in Baku also assisted evacuees and checked on their welfare after they arrived in the Azerbaijani capital.

The safe movement of citizens through neighbouring countries is particularly important during conflicts, when air travel, transport routes and access to consular assistance can become more difficult.

West Asia Conflict Raises Concerns Over Indian Nationals

The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has created serious concerns about the safety of people living, studying and working across the region.

India has continued to monitor developments and coordinate with its diplomatic missions to assist nationals who need help leaving affected areas.

The Ministry of External Affairs has previously emphasised that the safety and welfare of Indian citizens remain a priority. Indian missions have provided assistance, issued travel advisories and coordinated with local authorities to facilitate safe transit where necessary.

Jaishankar's expression of gratitude to Azerbaijan reflects the role neighbouring countries can play in helping India respond to emergencies involving its citizens overseas.

India and Azerbaijan Discuss Regional Security

During the meeting, Jaishankar and Bayramov discussed regional and international developments, including terrorism, conflict and instability.

Jaishankar said India and Azerbaijan shared an interest in promoting peace, progress and prosperity. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing common security challenges.

The discussions covered ways to strengthen bilateral relations and make international and regional organisations more effective and responsive to contemporary challenges.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to review their diplomatic engagement and explore areas where greater cooperation could benefit their interests.

Jaishankar and Bayramov Look to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Beyond the evacuation issue, the two foreign ministers discussed ways to deepen relations between India and Azerbaijan.

According to reports on the visit, the discussions included political consultations, economic cooperation, trade, investment, connectivity and energy-related engagement.

Jaishankar described the talks as productive and said they had helped establish a way forward for bilateral relations. He also invited Bayramov to visit India, signalling an interest in maintaining high-level diplomatic contact.

The two countries have an opportunity to build on their existing relationship through continued dialogue and cooperation on regional and global issues.

Why Azerbaijan's Assistance Matters for India

Azerbaijan's support illustrates the importance of regional partnerships during international emergencies.

When conflict makes direct travel difficult or unsafe, neighbouring countries can provide transit routes that help foreign nationals reach safer destinations. Diplomatic coordination is essential to ensure that evacuees can cross borders, access transport and receive assistance during their journey.

For India, cooperation with Azerbaijan has helped facilitate the movement of citizens from Iran and provided an additional route for their onward return home.

The episode also highlights the importance of maintaining effective diplomatic relations with countries across strategically significant regions.

Key Takeaways

• S Jaishankar thanked Azerbaijan for helping evacuate Indian citizens, especially students, from Iran.

• The assistance came amid conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

• Azerbaijan provided an important transit route for Indian nationals leaving Iran.

• Jaishankar and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov discussed terrorism, regional security and bilateral cooperation.

• The two countries also explored ways to strengthen economic ties, trade, investment and diplomatic engagement.

• India continues to coordinate with diplomatic missions and partner countries to support nationals affected by regional conflicts.