New Delhi, June 14, 2025 — India has formally dissociated itself from a recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement that strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory. The official move underscores New Delhi’s nuanced and independent diplomatic stance.
The SCO, a China-led regional bloc, issued a statement on June 14 expressing “serious concern” over the escalation along with a “strong condemnation” of Israeli military actions targeting Iran. It described the strikes said to have hit civilian infrastructure as violations of international law and threats to regional stability.
However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that New Delhi did not participate in the discussions leading to the SCO declaration. A spokesperson clarified, “India’s position had been articulated on June 13, and remains unchanged. We urge channels of dialogue and diplomacy to work towards de‑escalation”.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke separately to both Iranian and Israeli counterparts, conveying India’s “deep concern” over the situation and urging restraint. He reiterated that India enjoys close relations with both nations and is prepared to offer support to maintain regional peace.
India had earlier expressed concern following the June 13 strikes and highlighted its long‑standing policy of diplomacy and dialogue as a path to resolving escalating tensions in West Asia.
The move to distance itself from the SCO statement comes amid criticisms from certain Indian regional parties, such as those in Kashmir, who called for stronger condemnation of Israel. However, New Delhi firmly maintained its position favoring de-escalation over public condemnations.
