India distanced itself from the SCO’s condemnation of Israel’s strikes on Iran, emphasising its impartial stance and urging diplomatic de-escalation amid rising regional tensions.
India on Saturday made it clear that it didn’t take part within the drafting or discussions round a current assertion issued by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which strongly condemned Israel’s navy actions in opposition to Iran. The Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) reiterated India’s impartial stance on the escalating battle and emphasised the necessity for de-escalation by way of diplomatic dialogue.
SCO slams Israeli offensive
The SCO, a China-led regional bloc comprising nations together with China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, India, and several other Central Asian nations, issued a press release expressing grave concern over the rising instability within the Center East. The bloc harshly criticized Israel’s June 13 airstrikes underneath Operation Rising Lion, calling them a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and a menace to regional and world peace.
The SCO’s assertion accused Israel of focusing on civilian infrastructure and inflicting a number of casualties, together with youngsters, calling the assaults a “gross violation of worldwide regulation and the UN Constitution.”
India clarifies place, reaffirms name for dialogue
In response, India issued an official clarification, distancing itself from the SCO’s collective stance. The MEA acknowledged that India had already made its place clear on June 13 and had chosen to not take part within the discussions resulting in the SCO’s joint assertion.
“Our view has persistently been in favour of de-escalation. We urge all events to prioritise diplomacy and dialogue,” the MEA stated.
Exterior Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had reportedly spoken with each Israeli and Iranian counterparts earlier this week, expressing India’s concern over the rising tensions and calling for restraint from each side.
India urges restraint amid intensifying battle
India’s clarification comes at a time of deepening battle between Israel and Iran. On Friday, Israel launched an enormous aerial offensive focusing on Iran’s navy and nuclear infrastructure. The strikes, which hit websites together with the Natanz nuclear facility, killed a number of high-ranking Iranian scientists and navy officers.
In retaliation, Iran launched roughly 200 ballistic missiles at Israeli targets. In accordance with Iranian state media, not less than 60 civilians, together with 20 youngsters, have been killed in an Israeli strike on a residential advanced. Iran’s UN envoy reported a complete of 78 deaths from the Israeli offensive.
Balancing regional ties and strategic pursuits
India’s measured response displays its delicate balancing act within the area. Whereas sustaining robust protection and financial ties with Israel, India additionally values its longstanding relationship with Iran, a key accomplice in power and connectivity initiatives such because the Chabahar Port.
By distancing itself from the SCO assertion, India reinforces its impartial overseas coverage strategy — one which avoids entanglement in polarizing regional conflicts whereas pushing for peaceable decision by way of diplomatic engagement.