Shanghai group condemns Israel's strikes on Iran, India distances itself

India on Saturday distanced itself from a statement issued by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) condemning Israel's strikes on Iran, stating that it did not participate in the discussions on the statement.The SCO, a China-led regional bloc comprising member states including China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and India, had "strongly condemned" the Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory under Operation Rising Lion.advertisementIn a statement, the SCO said, "The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (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."
It added: "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."India, however, reiterated its own position on the matter. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a clarification on SCO's statement, stating, "India's 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."advertisementThe ministry added that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken separately with both his Israeli and Iranian counterparts on Friday."He 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 statement noted.The statement also noted that India had conveyed its position on the issue to other SCO member states. "In light of this, India did not take part in the discussions on the aforementioned SCO statement," it added.

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