Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Source: Indian Express
GS II: International Relations

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About the conflict
3. Strategic importance of the region

Why in the News?

The Conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh is called one of the “frozen conflicts” of the world.

News in Brief

• This conflict erupted on September 19, when Azerbaijan launched an offensive and within 24 hours, declared victory over the separatist province of Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Though far away, the recent developments in the South Caucasus region have implications for India.
• This conflict erupted on September 19, when Azerbaijan launched an offensive and within 24 hours, declared victory over the separatist province of Nagorno-Karabakh.
• Authorities of the province have now said the ethnic Armenian enclave would dissolve on January 1, 2024.

About the conflict

• The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh is a long-standing and complex dispute rooted in historical, ethnic, and territorial factors.

Background:

• Territorial Dispute
  • Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked region in the South Caucasus.
  • It is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has a predominantly ethnic Armenian population.
  • The conflict stems from competing territorial claims by Armenia and Azerbaijan.
• Historical Context
  • The dispute has historical roots dating back to the early 20th century.
  • It escalated into a full-scale conflict in the late 1980s as the Soviet Union began to dissolve.

Key Phases of the Conflict:

• 1988-1994 War: The conflict erupted in 1988 when Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenian population sought unification with Armenia. The dispute escalated into a full-scale war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, resulting in thousands of casualties and significant displacement.
• 1994 Ceasefire: A ceasefire was brokered in 1994 by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), but it did not lead to a comprehensive resolution of the conflict. Nagorno-Karabakh remained under the control of Armenian forces, and sporadic clashes continued along the border.
• 2016 Escalation: In April 2016, a brief but intense flare-up of violence occurred, leading to casualties on both sides. A ceasefire was eventually restored.
• 2020 Escalation: The most significant escalation occurred in September 2020 when clashes erupted again along the Nagorno-Karabakh border. This conflict, known as the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, resulted in a ceasefire brokered by Russia in November 2020.

Please note that the situation may have evolved since my last update in September 2021. It’s advisable to consult the latest news and official sources for the most up-to-date information on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Strategic importance of the region

• The Caucasus, which is the area between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, is where several gas and oil pipelines from the energy-rich Azerbaijan have been erected in order to reach Turkey and Europe.
• Some of these pipes travel within 16 kilometres of the border, which is close to the area of conflict.
• The pipelines might be attacked in an open conflict between the two nations, which would have an effect on energy supply and could increase oil prices on a global scale.

Impact on India

• In 1995, India and Armenia signed a friendship and cooperation agreement that prohibits India from providing any type of aid to Azerbaijan, including military support.
• Nonetheless, ONGC/OVL has invested in an oilfield project in Azerbaijan, and GAIL is considering collaborating with them on LNG.
• Azerbaijan is connected to Russia and India through Central Asia by the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Additionally, India can connect with Turkey and other countries via the passenger and freight rail link between Baku, Tbilisi, and Kars.
• Armenia supports India in the Kashmir conflict, while Azerbaijan supports Pakistan’s position.
• That being said, India does not have a clear policy for the South Caucasus, unlike its “Neighbourhood First,” “Act East,” or “Central Asia Connect” policies.
• The South Caucasus region has not been a significant part of India’s foreign policy priorities.

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