BAKU: Tensions in the South Caucasus have escalated as footage of a convoy moving from the Norduz border checkpoint in Iran to Armenia has emerged. The cargo, camouflaged to disguise its purpose, is suspected to be for military use and was transported from India, signifying an increase in military-technical cooperation between Armenia and India.
Armenia has been rapidly arming itself with weapons and military equipment, disregarding warnings from Azerbaijan to refrain from actions that could reignite conflict in the region. The establishment of a border checkpoint by Azerbaijan at the Lachin-Khankendi road has strategically blocked the delivery of these munitions and military equipment from Armenia to the remnants of the separatist “regime” in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh.
India Seems Undeterred by Iranian Involvement
Although the supplies are passing through Iran, India seems undeterred by the Iranian involvement due to geopolitical interests. However, the actions of Armenia and the transportation of military equipment through Iran raise concerns about Armenia’s sincerity in its peaceful rhetoric towards Azerbaijan.
In response to the establishment of a checkpoint by Armenia at the border with Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani units have set up their own border checkpoint in their sovereign territories to prevent further transportation of military equipment to illegal Armenian armed groups on Azerbaijani territory.
The situation highlights the fragility of the region’s peace and the need for all parties to respect the trilateral statement signed after the 2020 second Karabakh war. The international community will closely monitor developments in the South Caucasus as tensions continue to rise.
