India has distanced itself from a statement issued by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on the Israel-Iran conflict. In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday, India clarified that it did not participate in the discussions that led to the group’s remarks. Maintaining its independent stance on the Israel-Iran conflict, India urged both Israel and Iran to use dialogue and diplomacy to work towards de-escalation of the situation.
“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 utilized to work towards de-escalation, and it is essential that the international community undertake endeavors in that direction,” the MEA said.
The MEA stated that External Affairs Minister Jaishankar discussed recent developments between Israel and Iran with his Iranian counterpart yesterday, urging the avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy.
“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 MEA said.
The MEA added, “The overall position of India, as stated above, was communicated to other SCO members. Keeping that in mind, India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement.”
Shanghai Cooperation Organization Statement
The SCO statement has strongly condemned the military strikes carried out by Israel on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
SCO statement condemning Israel’s military strikes on Iran.
Statement says, ‘aggressive actions’ are a “gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter” & “constitute an infringement on Iran’s sovereignty”
Statement: pic.twitter.com/QWkAGmiF1m
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 14, 2025
“The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (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,” the SCO said in a statement.
The SCO stated that aggressive actions by Israel against Iranian civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure, are a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, and pose serious risks to global peace and stability.
“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,” the SCO said.
The SCO member firmly advocated for the resolution of the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program exclusively through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means.
“The SCO member states extend their sincere condolences to the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The SCO member states, strictly adhering to the principles and norms of the UN Charter and the SCO Charter, consider any unlawful actions directed against SCO member states unacceptable and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to strengthening international peace and security,” the statement added.
Israel-Iran Conflict
Israel, in the early hours of Friday, launched preemptive air strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure under the operation named Rising Lion. In response, Iran also launched a retaliatory attack, firing over 100 drones and hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Iran’s state media dubbed the retaliation “Operation Severe Punishment.”
