India Clarifies Stance as SCO Condemns Israeli Strikes on Iran

The External Affairs Ministry explained India's position on the Israel-Iran situation, after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) released a statement, condemning the Israeli strikes against Iran.

India called upon both countries to pursue "dialogue and diplomacy" and work to de-escalate the situation, adding some context that India was not party to the dialogue that led to the SCO statement.

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While the China-led regional body had previously "strongly condemned" Israeli strikes against Iran, India was attempting to determine its independence on the matter.

"India's position on the matter had been articulated by on June 13, 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," the ministry's statement read.

The statement went on to note that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with both his Israeli and Iranian equivalents on Friday, wherein he noted the "deep concern" of the global community with respect to the tension in the Middle East region.

Jaishankar "also urged the avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy".

The statement added that India's position on the matter was also shared with the members of the SCO. "Keeping that in mind, India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement," it added.

Hours earlier, the SCO released a statement indicating that Israeli strikes targeted civilian and nuclear facilities, leading to civilian casualties.

"This seriously violated the principles of international law and the U.N. Charter, undermined Iran's sovereignty, undermined regional and international security, and had a serious impact on global peace and stability," SCO said.

The 10-state regional group comprises China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus.

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The external affairs ministry had previously expressed serious concern after Israeli airstrikes hit Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, calling on both countries to prevent escalation. It noted "its close and friendly relations with both countries" and expressed that India is "ready to extend all possible support" to Israel and Iran.

The MEA's statement regarding SCO follows only a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu updated PM Narenda Modi on the present circumstances.

During their phone call, PM Modi expressed India's apprehensions on the circumstances in West Asia, and called for prayer for the early restoration of peace.

"Received a phone call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation," PM Modi said in a social media post, adding that, “I shared India's concerns and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region.”

Netanyahu also provided updates to US President Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin.

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