ArmInfo. Deep Barot, Technology, Energy and Metals Investor posted the following message on his X account:
"Azerbaijan's desire to join BRICS today is really to bid to be an official part of the INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) between India-Iran-Russia. The Azeris are willing to offer a direct rail link between Russia and Iran bypassing Caspian Sea. With a pro-West government in Armenia and no counter bid to join BRICS or integrate their rail network with INSTC, Azerbaijan could see entry in.
"Geopolitically, the situation is dicey with Azerbaijan considering the shaky relationship with both Iran and India. Azerbaijan would have to work on its goodwill with both Iran and India. However, as long as the Pashinyan government remains in power in Armenia, it is unlikely Armenia will launch a counter bid or join BRICS with the same story for pro-EU Georgia (although getting better). Very interesting developments in the region.
"Turkey and Azerbaijan are both seeking entry into BRICS precisely to be a part of INSTC and offer India direct entry into Europe via Iran in an alternative trade corridor. Armenia has to step up its game or accept its fate with the West."
According to media reports, on July 3, during the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in Astana, a joint declaration was adopted on the establishment of a strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China. The declaration states that Azerbaijan expresses its desire to join BRICS, and China welcomes Azerbaijan's participation in cooperation within the BRICS framework.
Later, the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, during a speech at a meeting of the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, noted that Azerbaijan has already expressed a desire to become a full member of BRICS. Political observers believe that Azerbaijan's entry into BRICS will also contribute to the neutralization of military-political ties between Armenia and India and will strengthen the actual diplomatic isolation of Armenia as a country on which nothing depends.
