India skips SCO discussion on Israel-Iran escalation; distances itself from organisation's condemnation of Israeli strikes

Time of India

11 hours ago

The
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(
SCO
), a regional bloc led by China and made up of 10
Eurasian nations
including Russia, Pakistan, and
India
, issued a strong condemnation of Israel's recent military strikes on Iranian territory. The attacks took place on 13 June 2025 and have fuelled growing alarm over a wider conflict in the Middle East.
'The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) express serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and strongly condemn the military strikes carried out by Israel on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran on June 13, 2025,' said the SCO in an official statement.
The group alleged that the Israeli strikes had hit both 'civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure,' which led to civilian casualties. The SCO called it 'a gross violation of international law and the
United Nations Charter
.'
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According to the statement, 'This seriously violated the principles of international law and the U.N. Charter, undermined Iran's sovereignty, undermined regional and international security, and had a serious impact on global peace and stability.'
The organisation also reaffirmed its support for a diplomatic solution to concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear programme. 'The SCO member states firmly advocate for the resolution of the situation surrounding Iran's nuclear program exclusively through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means.'
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The SCO's message concluded with condolences to Iran and a reminder of its collective stance: 'The SCO member states extend their sincere condolences to the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran,' adding, 'any unlawful actions directed against SCO member states [are] unacceptable,' and the bloc remained committed to 'strengthening international peace and security.'
India keeps its distance, but echoes concern
India, although a founding member of the SCO, took a different route. New Delhi did not take part in the discussions that led to the adoption of the SCO's statement. Instead, it stuck to a diplomatic middle path.
A spokesperson from the
Ministry of External Affairs
clarified, '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.'
India's External Affairs Minister also engaged with Iranian officials directly. 'The External Affairs Minister too discussed this matter with his Iranian counterpart yesterday and conveyed the deep concern of the international community at the turn of events. He also urged the avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy,' the statement added.
The Indian government communicated this position to fellow SCO members before distancing itself from the joint declaration. It was a deliberate decision reflecting New Delhi's strategic approach—remaining part of regional dialogue without being drawn into bloc politics.
The SCO's criticism of Israel reflects the broader concerns many Eurasian states share about the possibility of a full-blown war in the region. With Iran being a key member of the SCO and a major energy player, the fallout of such strikes could ripple far beyond West Asia.
For India, the choice to withhold support from the SCO's collective condemnation highlights its effort to balance competing interests. India maintains deepening ties with Israel, a critical defence partner, while also preserving long-standing relations with Iran and maintaining credibility within the SCO.
It is a line that India continues to walk carefully—calling for peace without appearing partisan.