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India Gazette
14-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
India distances itself from SCO statement on Iran-Israel conflict; urges dialogue, diplomacy for de-escalation
New Delhi [India], June 14 (ANI): India said on Saturday that it did not participate in the discussions on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran and that channels of dialogue and diplomacy be utilised to work towards de-escalation. In its statement, Ministry of External Affairs said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had discussed this matter with his Iranian counterpart yesterday and conveyed the deep concern of the international community at the turn of events. The statement referred to India's stance articulated on Friday in which New Delhi had expressed deep concern at the recent developments between Iran and Israel. 'The SCO has issued a statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran. India's own position on the matter had been articulated by us on June 13, 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,' MEA's statement said on Saturday. '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,' it added. MEA said that the overall position of India was communicated to other SCO members. 'Keeping that in mind, India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement,' MEA said. SCO issued a strong statement on Saturday condemning military strikes 'carried out by Israel against Iran on June 13'. In its statement, SCO expressed serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East. 'Such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties, are a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. They constitute an infringement on Iran's sovereignty, cause damage to regional and international security, and pose serious risks to global peace and stability,' the statement said. Iran is a member of SCO. 'The SCO member states firmly advocate for the resolution of the situation surrounding Iran's nuclear program exclusively through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means. SCO member states, strictly adhering to the principles and norms of the UN Charter and the SCO Charter, consider any unlawful actions directed against SCO member states unacceptable and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to strengthening international peace and security,' the statement added. India had on Friday expressed its deep concern at the recent developments between Iran and Israel. 'We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites. India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues,' MEA had said. It said India enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries and stands ready to extend all possible support. 'Our Missions in both countries are in contact with the Indian community. All Indian nationals in the region are advised to exercise caution, stay safe and follow local security advisories,' the statement said. (ANI)
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India distances itself from SCO statement on Israel-Iran tensions
New Delhi: India on Saturday distanced itself from a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement that strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes on Iran , stating that it had not participated in the consultations that led to the declaration. The statement, issued by the China- and Russia-led bloc, termed the Israeli strikes on Iranian territory on June 13 a "gross violation of international law and the UN Charter." It also said the attacks on civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure, resulted in casualties and undermined regional stability. India, however, reiterated that it had already articulated its position on the matter on June 13. "We urge that channels of dialogue and diplomacy be utilised to work towards de-escalation. It is essential that the international community undertake endeavours in that direction," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with both his Iranian and Israeli counterparts on Friday. He conveyed international concern over the developments and called for restraint and an early return to diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region. India remains the only SCO member state to have engaged diplomatically with both Iran and Israel in the aftermath of the strikes. It also abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution this week that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. India has communicated its position to other SCO members and clarified that it did not take part in deliberations on the joint statement, according to the MEA. The SCO, founded in 2001 with China and Russia as its principal architects, counts India as a full member since 2017. Iran formally joined the organisation in 2023. The SCO statement also called for resolving issues around Iran's nuclear programme through peaceful and diplomatic means, and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the UN Charter and the SCO Charter.
India Gazette
14-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation condemns Israeli military strikes on Iran; India skips SCO discussions
New Delhi [India], June 14 (ANI): Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has expressed serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and 'strongly condemned' the military strikes carried out by Israel on Iran on June 13. However, India refrained from participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) discussions on a statement condemning Israel's military strikes on Iran, and urged for dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation. '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 of External Affairs said. The SCO's statement comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia following Israel's strikes on Iran on June 13. Israel launched what it called a 'pre-emptive operation' on Iran targeting the latter's nuclear program on Friday. The statement released by SCO member states said, '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.' 'Such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties, are a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. They constitute an infringement on Iran's sovereignty, cause damage to regional and international security, and pose serious risks to global peace and stability,' it added. The SCO members offered condolences to the people and government of Iran and called for the resolution of the situation regarding Iran's nuclear program through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means. The statement said, 'The SCO member states firmly advocate for the resolution of the situation surrounding Iran's nuclear program exclusively through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means. The SCO member states extend their sincere condolences to the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.' 'The SCO member states, strictly adhering to the principles and norms of the UN Charter and the SCO Charter, consider any unlawful actions directed against SCO member states unacceptable and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to strengthening international peace and security,' it added. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation. Currently, nine countries enjoy the status of the SCO full members: India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Three countries -- Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia -- have an observer status with the SCO, and 14 countries -- Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Cambodia, Egypt, Kuwait, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkiye and UAE -- have a dialogue partner status. In a video statement on Friday, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a 'very successful opening strike' carried out by Israeli forces. He said Israel, through its large-scale military operation that he named 'Rising Lion', targeted 'Iran's main enrichment facility' and 'Iran's leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb.' The Israeli PM accused Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapons programme despite global warnings, noting that Tehran has stockpiles of enriched uranium capable of producing multiple nuclear bombs. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that Iran's armed forces were ready to face Israel. Khamenei said that all the officials in the country are on the side of the armed forces. In a series of posts on X, he said, 'The Zionist regime has made a big mistake, a grave error, and committed a reckless act. By God's grace, the consequences of this will bring that regime to ruin. The Iranian nation won't permit the blood of its valued martyrs to go unavenged, nor will it ignore the violation of its airspace. Our Armed Forces are ready, and the country's officials and all the people are behind the Armed Forces.' He said that Iran will show no mercy to Israel. He stated, 'Today, we must give a strong response to the evil, despicable, terrorist Zionist identity. God willing, we will respond with strength, and will show no mercy to them. Life will definitely become bitter for the Zionists. The Zionist regime will not escape safely from the heinous crime they've committed.' (ANI)
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Business Standard
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
India distances itself from SCO statement on Israel-Iran conflict
India has clarified that it did not support a recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement condemning Israel's military actions against Iran. In a press note released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the government said: 'The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has issued a statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran.' The MEA added that India's stand on the issue had already been stated earlier: 'India's own position on the matter had been articulated by us on June 13, 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 MEA further said: 'The External Affairs Minister too discussed this matter with his Iranian counterpart on June 13 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 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.' SCO statement condemns Israel The statement issued by the 10-member SCO group — which includes China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iran, apart from India — strongly criticised Israel's military operations against Iran. The SCO said: 'Such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties, are a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. They constitute an infringement on Iran's sovereignty, cause damage to regional and international security, and pose serious risks to global peace and stability.' The statement added: 'The SCO member states firmly advocate for the resolution of the situation surrounding Iran's nuclear program exclusively through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means.' It further said, 'The SCO member states extend their sincere condolences to the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The SCO member states, strictly adhering to the principles and norms of the UN Charter and the SCO Charter, consider any unlawful actions directed against SCO member states unacceptable and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to strengthening international peace and security.' India's earlier appeal for restraint On June 13, India had already voiced its concern over the increasing tensions in West Asia, especially following reports of attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. India called for restraint and a return to diplomacy: 'India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues.' Iran-Israel conflict Tensions escalated sharply after Israel launched 'Operation Rising Lion', which targeted Tehran and key sites such as the Natanz nuclear facility. Among those reportedly killed were senior Iranian figures, including Gen. Hossein Salami and Gen. Mohammad Bagheri. India reiterated its neutral stance, noting: 'India enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries and stands ready to extend all possible support.' The MEA also confirmed that Indian embassies in both Tehran and Tel Aviv are actively monitoring the situation and are in touch with the Indian community to ensure their safety.
United News of India
14-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
India dissociates from SCO statement condemning Israel over Iran attacks
New Delhi, June 14 (UNI) India today dissociated from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement on the Iran-Israel conflict, saying New Delhi has already articulated its position, and that it did not participate in the discussions on the SCO statement. Notably, India's response came after the SCO statement today expressed 'serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and strongly condemned the military strikes carried out by Israel on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran on June 13, 2025.' India, in its statement today, said that its position on the matter has been articulated on June 13, 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 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 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.' In its statement yesterday, India had voiced deep concern at the developments between Iran and Israel, and said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites. 'India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues. India enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries and stands ready to extend all possible support,' it said. The SCO statement, slamming Israel over the attacks, said: 'Such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties, are a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. They constitute an infringement on Iran's sovereignty, cause damage to regional and international security, and pose serious risks to global peace and stability. 'The SCO member states firmly advocate for the resolution of the situation surrounding Iran's nuclear program exclusively through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means. 'The SCO member states extend their sincere condolences to the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 'The SCO member states, strictly adhering to the principles and norms of the UN Charter and the SCO Charter, consider any unlawful actions directed against SCO member states unacceptable and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to strengthening international peace and security.' The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an intergovernmental organisation established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In 2017, it expanded to include India and Pakistan, and in 2023, Iran became a full member. The SCO includes three observer states—Mongolia, Belarus, and Afghanistan, and 14 dialogue partners: Sri Lanka, Turkey, Cambodia, Azerbaijan, Nepal, Armenia, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Myanmar, the Maldives, and the United Arab Emirates. The official languages of the SCO are Chinese and Russian. UNI RN
