New Delhi [India], June 14 (ANI): India on Saturday clarified that it did not participate in the discussions surrounding the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) statement condemning Israel’s recent military actions against Iran. Emphasizing its independent stance, India reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to defuse tensions in the region.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India’s position on the Iran-Israel conflict had already been articulated on June 13 and remains unchanged. The ministry noted that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had spoken to his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, to express India’s deep concern and to advocate for restraint.
“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,” the MEA said in its Saturday release.
It added, “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.”
Highlighting its independent foreign policy approach, the MEA clarified, “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 SCO, in its official statement on Saturday, strongly condemned what it described as “military strikes carried out by Israel against Iran on June 13.” The statement raised serious concern over the escalation in the Middle East and criticized attacks on civilian targets, including infrastructure, which resulted in civilian casualties.
“These actions are a gross violation of international law and the UN Charter. They infringe on Iran’s sovereignty, endanger regional and global security, and risk the stability of the international system,” the SCO stated. It reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the Iranian nuclear issue peacefully and emphasized the inadmissibility of unlawful actions against SCO member states, of which Iran is one.
India, while affirming its strong bilateral ties with both Iran and Israel, maintained a balanced position on the crisis. “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites. India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps,” the MEA reiterated on Friday.
“Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues,” it added.
India also assured that its missions in both Iran and Israel are in regular contact with the Indian community. “All Indian nationals in the region are advised to exercise caution, stay safe, and follow local security advisories,” the MEA noted.
The clarification from New Delhi underscores India’s nuanced diplomatic posture — emphasizing peaceful resolution and safeguarding the interests of its citizens, while steering clear of entanglement in regional blocs’ collective positions that may not align with its strategic autonomy. (ANI)
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