Israel-Iran conflict: India distances itself from SCO statement, says ‘didn't take part in discussion'

Indian Express

a day ago

Within hours of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement on Saturday condemning Israel's 'aggressive actions against civilian targets' in Iran, India distanced itself and said it 'did not participate in the discussion' and that its position on the matter remains unchanged.
Led by China, the 10-member bloc's statement expressed 'serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and strongly condemn the military strikes carried out by Israel on the territory of Iran.'
'They (actions) constitute an infringement on Iran's sovereignty, cause damage to regional and international security, and pose serious risks to global peace and stability,' it said, adding that the member states firmly advocate for the resolution of the situation surrounding Iran's nuclear programme 'exclusively through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means'.
The 'aggressive actions against civilian targets (in Iran), including energy and transport infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties, a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter', the statement said.
Later in the day, the MEA said, 'India's own position on the matter had been articulated by us on 13 June 2025, and remains the same. We urge that channels of dialogue and diplomacy be utilised to work towards de-escalation and it is essential that the international community undertake endeavours in that direction.'
The ministry also made a note of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's call with his Iranian counterpart Syed Abbas Araghchi Friday. Jaishankar had 'conveyed the deep concern of the international community at the turn of events, and urged the avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy'.
'The overall position of India as stated above was communicated to other SCO members. Keeping that in mind, India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement,' the MEA said, adding that 'India enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries and stands ready to extend all possible support'.
In the wake of the Israel-Iran conflict early Friday, New Delhi had urged both sides to avoid any escalation and use dialogue and diplomacy to resolve issues.
Meanwhile, Tehran has appreciated 'India's solidarity with Iran and its condemnation of the Israeli regime's aggression' after the Jaishankar-Araghchi conversation.
According to Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement Saturday, Jaishankar 'had offered sympathies to the people of Iran following Israel's attacks'. 'Jaishankar referred to his discussion with his French counterpart and stressed the importance of strengthening international efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region,' it said.
Earlier in the day, the Indian Embassy in Iran said in a post on X, 'External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a phone conversation with FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this evening. EAM conveyed the deep concern of the international community at the turn of events. He urged avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy.'
'Spoke to Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this evening on the latest situation,' Jaishankar said Friday, also mentioning that he received a call from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar 'regarding ongoing developments'.
Later in the day, PM Narendra Modi had also received a phone call from his Israeli counterpart. 'Received a phone call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India's concerns and emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region,' Modi said on X.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Iran Saturday issued emergency contact details and advised Indians to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movements and observe safety protocols.
Divya A reports on travel, tourism, culture and social issues - not necessarily in that order - for The Indian Express. She's been a journalist for over a decade now, working with Khaleej Times and The Times of India, before settling down at Express. Besides writing/ editing news reports, she indulges her pen to write short stories. As Sanskriti Prabha Dutt Fellow for Excellence in Journalism, she is researching on the lives of the children of sex workers in India. ... Read More