Israel-Iran conflict: India distances itself from SCO statement, says ‘didn’t take part in discussion’

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement… 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 utilised to work towards de-escalation and it is essential that the international community undertake endeavours in that direction.” It said that India’s “overall position” was communicated to other SCO members.

The MEA statement came a day after India abstained from a vote in the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on a draft resolution that demanded an “immediate, unconditional and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza. The 193-member UNGA voted overwhelmingly to adopt the resolution introduced by Spain. India was among the 19 nations that abstained, while 12 nations voted against the resolution, which got 149 votes in favour.

On Friday, India had urged both Israel and Iran to avoid any “escalatory steps”, and to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy. “India enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries and stands ready to extend all possible support,” the MEA had said.

In its statement, the SCO expressed “serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and strongly condemn(ed) the military strikes carried out by Israel on the territory of Iran.”

“They (actions) 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 statement said, calling for the resolution of the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme “exclusively through peaceful, political and diplomatic means”.

The SCO has India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus as member states.

The MEA noted that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday, had “conveyed the deep concern of the international community at the turn of events, and urged the avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy.”

A statement issued by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday said Jaishankar offered his sympathy to the people of Iran following Israel’s attacks. “Jaishankar referred to his discussion with his French counterpart and stressed the importance of strengthening international efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region… Araghchi appreciated India’s solidarity with Iran and its condemnation of the Israeli regime’s aggression,” the statement said.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Iran said Jaishankar “conveyed the deep concern of the international community… he urged avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy.” The Embassy has issued emergency contact details and advised its citizens to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movements and observe safety protocols.

Jaishankar posted on X that he had also spoken to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said on Friday that he had received a phone call from his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, who briefed him on the situation. “I shared India’s concerns and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Modi said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, questioning the MEA’s statement on Saturday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X: “What does this MEA statement really mean? It seems to suggest that Israel can attack Iran but that Iran should exercise restraint and not climb the escalatory ladder. Have we been reduced to being an abject apologist for Israel? We cannot even condemn Israel’s attacks on and targeted assassinations in Iran?”