Amid Russia's efforts to maintain influence in the Eurasian region, some Caspian states are working to enhance their military capabilities independently.
Against the backdrop of Russia's increased military presence in Georgia's Abkhazia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan held a joint military exercise, "Khazri-2023," from October 2 to 8, aimed at sharing military intelligence. This exercise marked a significant step in the military cooperation between these two nations, with implications for the broader security dynamics in the Caspian region.
On October 6, Vice Admiral Subhan Bakirov, the Commander of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces, met with a Kazakh Ministry of Defense delegation led by Rear Admiral Bekzhanov Saken, Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan. During this meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of their military cooperation, underlining the positive effects of the Khazri-2023 exercises on their military professionalism and regional security.
These exercises occurred as Russia strengthened its military presence in the Russian-occupied Abkhazia region, raising concerns in both the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions about potential Russian military threats. Although Russia's influence in the area has waned since the Ukraine War, its ambitions and potential threats remain a cause for concern.
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have a history of military cooperation tied to their shared Soviet past. Their first joint military exercise dates back to 2015, involving other Caspian Sea coastal countries. Khazri-2023 represents an independent joint operation between these two nations, conducted without Russian involvement, underscoring their commitment to autonomy and self-reliance.
The exclusion of Russia from recent developments in the Caspian region can be attributed to the Ukrainian War and escalating geopolitical concerns. Following Russia's military expansion in the Black Sea, Caspian coastal nations are likely to intensify exchanges and contacts while distancing themselves from Russian influence.
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