The Embassy of India in Azerbaijan organised a special welcome and integration event for Indian students pursuing higher education in Azerbaijan at the Embassy premises in Baku on 9 October 2026. The event aimed to welcome newly arrived students, familiarise them with the Embassy’s support mechanisms and strengthen bonds within the Indian student community.
Fresh students from India enrolled in various academic programmes across Azerbaijan, along with key functionaries of the Indian Students’ Association of Azerbaijan (ISAA), participated in the event.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Shri Abhay Kumar, Ambassador of India to Azerbaijan, warmly welcomed the students to Azerbaijan, describing it as a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage. He encouraged the students to make the most of their academic opportunities while remaining committed to their studies and taking care of their physical and mental well-being. He also emphasised the importance of pursuing hobbies, interests and sports alongside academic commitments.
The Ambassador reminded the students that, while living abroad, they must remain mindful of their personal safety and well-being, respect the laws and conduct themselves responsibly as proud representatives of India. He reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to providing all possible assistance and guidance to Indian students during their stay in Azerbaijan. He also encouraged them to remain connected with the Embassy, their fellow students and the wider Indian diaspora, highlighting the important role of senior students in guiding and supporting newcomers.
The programme included a special session by the Embassy’s Consular team, which briefed students on the range of services available at the Embassy and the channels through which they can seek assistance and guidance, including in emergency situations. Students were also encouraged to register on the Embassy’s registration portal to facilitate communication and assistance when required.
A meet-and-greet session provided an opportunity for the freshers to introduce themselves and interact with fellow students and representatives of ISAA. The event concluded with cultural performances by senior students from Azerbaijan Medical University, who presented soulful Indian songs to warmly welcome the newcomers.
The event reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to the welfare and safety of Indian students and the wider Indian community in Azerbaijan, while fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging meaningful engagement with Azerbaijani society.
India and Azerbaijan share longstanding cultural and literary connections that provide a strong foundation for people-to-people exchanges. The enduring popularity of the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi in India and the appreciation of literary figures such as Rabindranath Tagore in Azerbaijan reflect these mutual cultural affinities. Educational cooperation further strengthens these ties, with Azerbaijani students benefiting from opportunities offered by India through programmes such as the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
Through such initiatives, the Embassy seeks to support Indian students in their academic journey, strengthen community bonds and further deepen the longstanding educational and cultural relations between India and Azerbaijan.