Israel-Iran Conflict | India on Saturday firmly distanced itself from a statement issued by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that strongly condemned Israel’s military strikes on Iran, clarifying that it did not participate in discussions leading to the bloc’s official stance.
The SCO, which includes China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and India among its member states, denounced the Israeli air offensive launched under Operation Rising Lion. The statement expressed “serious concern” over the escalation in the Middle East and called the Israeli strikes a violation of international law and the UN Charter.
“Such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure… pose serious risks to global peace and stability,” the SCO statement read, noting casualties and damage to Iran’s sovereignty and security.
India Calls for Diplomacy, Confirms No Role in Drafting SCO Remarks
In a detailed clarification, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India’s position on the conflict was conveyed on June 13, and it did not participate in the formulation of the SCO statement.
“India’s position had been articulated by us on 13 June 2025 and remains the same,” the ministry stated. “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.”
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The MEA added that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken with both his Israeli and Iranian counterparts, conveying global concern and urging restraint. “He urged the avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy,” the statement said.
India also confirmed that it had communicated its position to other SCO member states prior to the statement being issued.
Background: Israeli-Iran Conflict Escalates Under Operation Rising Lion
Tensions in the region escalated after Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, an extensive aerial campaign targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities. The offensive, which reportedly struck sites including the Natanz nuclear facility, resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials and scientists.
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In response, Iran retaliated with a series of ballistic missile attacks, launching an estimated 200 missiles at Israeli targets. Iranian media reported that 60 people, including 20 children, died in a strike on a residential complex, while Iran’s UN envoy placed the death toll at 78 from Friday’s strikes.
India’s neutral stance and its push for diplomatic solutions underline its broader strategy of non-alignment and de-escalation efforts amid growing global concern over instability in the Middle East.
