India distances itself as SCO condemns Israeli strikes on Iran

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a China-led regional alliance comprising 10 Eurasian nations including Russia, Pakistan and India, has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent military strikes on Iranian territory.

However, India chose not to join the bloc’s unified stance. While being a founding member of the SCO, New Delhi abstained from participating in the discussions that culminated in the adoption of the statement. Instead, it maintained its diplomatic neutrality, opting to steer a middle course.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said that India’s own position on the matter had been articulated by us on 13 June 2025, and remains the same.

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Our Statement on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)⬇️

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— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 14, 2025

“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 External Affairs Minister also 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 was communicated to other SCO members. Keeping that in mind, India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement.

The attacks took place on 13 June 2025 and have heightened fears of a broader conflict erupting in the Middle East.

In an official statement, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) said, “The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization 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.”

The SCO claimed that the Israeli strikes targeted “civilian sites, including energy and transport infrastructure,” resulting in civilian casualties. It described the action as “a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.”