India has chosen to disassociate itself from a recent statement made by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that strongly condemned Israel’s military strikes on Iran, instead reiterating its independent call for restraint and diplomatic engagement to resolve the escalating tensions in West Asia.
On Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that India did not participate in the discussions that led to the SCO’s joint statement. The statement, issued by the regional bloc comprising countries such as China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and India, described Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian territory as “aggressive actions against civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties, are a gross violation of international law”. The SCO further labelled the strikes as an infringement on Iran’s sovereignty and a threat to regional and global stability.
India, however, took a different route. The MEA said that India’s own position on the matter had already been articulated on 13 June 2025 and remains unchanged. India expressed deep concern over the recent developments between Iran and Israel, urging both sides to avoid any steps that could escalate the situation. The official statement emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to achieve de-escalation, stating, “It is essential that the international community undertake endeavours in that direction”.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar personally conveyed India’s concerns to his Iranian counterpart, highlighting the deep concern of the international community and urging a swift return to diplomatic engagement. Jaishankar also spoke with his Israeli counterpart, reflecting India’s approach of maintaining open channels with both sides while advocating for peace.
India’s Neutral Stance
India’s move to distance itself from the SCO’s condemnation comes at a time when New Delhi is carefully balancing its strategic interests. Israel remains a crucial defence partner for India, supplying key military hardware, while Iran is an important regional player and energy supplier. India’s decision to abstain from the SCO discussions and statement is seen as an effort to avoid taking sides in bloc politics, instead maintaining its credibility as a responsible international actor willing to support peace and stability.
This approach is consistent with India’s recent actions at the United Nations as well, where it abstained from a vote on a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The Indian government’s stance reflects its reluctance to back statements that could be seen as critical of Israel, while also not alienating Iran or its partners in the SCO.
The attacks by Israel, which took place on 13 June 2025, have heightened fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. The SCO’s strong condemnation reflects the concerns of many Eurasian states about the potential fallout of a full-blown war in the region. For India, the priority remains clear: urge restraint, promote dialogue, and avoid being drawn into the polarising dynamics of regional alliances.
