External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Friday paid homage at the ‘Temple of Fire’ Ateshgah in Baku, Azerbaijan which was used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship in ancient times.
On a three-day visit to the country, Sushma Swaraj visited the fire temple where the first line of inscription, dating back to 1745-46, venerates Lord Ganesha and second the holy fire.
“Aagneya namah! EAM @SushmaSwaraj paying homage at the ‘Temple of Fire’ Ateshgah in Baku which was used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship,” tweeted EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.
“First line of the inscription at Ateshgah dating to 1745-46 venerates Lord Ganesha and second the holy fire,” he added.
Swaraj landed in capital city Baku on Wednesday and called on Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev. She later said that the two countries were committed to strengthening ties in trade and investment, connectivity and transportation, culture and tourism.
On her first bilateral visit to the country, she also held talks with her Azerbaijan counterpart Mammadyarov.
On Thursday, the EAM addressed the 18th mid-term ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Baku and pushed for reforms of the United Nations Security Council.
The bilateral trade between India and Azerbaijan has increased from to nearly $460 million in 2017 from around $50 million in 2005.
The country has also invited Indian firms to set up joint ventures for production of pharmaceuticals and medical products.