India Skips SCO Discussions Critical of Israel Attack on Iran
NEW DELHI, June 14: India refrained from participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) discussions on a statement condemning Israel’s military strikes on Iran saying its position on the matter was articulated earlier.
SCO member-states – including China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus – expressed serious concern over Israel’s Operation Rising Lion and said such aggressive actions against civilian targets are a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
India, which is a member of the group, said it did not participate in the discussions on the SCO statement. “India’s own 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,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in an official statement.
“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,” it added.
Notably, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held separate phone calls with his Israeli and Iranian counterparts to discuss the escalating situation in West Asia, reflecting India’s broader strategy of engaging key regional players while urging restraint.
The SCO members criticised the Israeli strikes as an infringement on Iran’s sovereignty, causing damage to regional and international security and posing serious risks to global peace and security. “The SCO member states firmly advocate for the resolution of the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme exclusively through peaceful, political and diplomatic means.”
Israeli forces on Friday launched a wave of overnight airstrikes, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites under ‘Operation Rising Lion’, wiping out the top Iranian military leadership and partially destroying the crucial Natanz nuclear facility in one of the biggest direct attacks between the two long-time foes.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following Israel’s large-scale strikes on Iran amid rapidly escalating tensions in the region. Netanyahu briefed Modi on the objectives of Operation Rising Lion and emphasising the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme.
PM Modi said he shared India’s concerns during the conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasised on the importance of an early restoration of peace and stability in the region, underscoring India’s consistent call for restraint and de-escalation amid rising tensions.
(Manas Dasgupta)
