New Delhi, June 14, 2025 — India has formally clarified its position after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) issued a statement condemning Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that India did not participate in the discussions that produced the condemnation, underscoring its decision to remain neutral in the escalating Middle East conflict .
🤝 India’s Official Stance and Diplomatic Approach
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The MEA stated India’s stance, first articulated on June 13, remains consistent: India is “deeply concerned” about the Israel–Iran escalation and urges all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy as means of de-escalation (livemint.com).
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On June 13, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke separately with both Iran’s and Israel’s foreign ministers, stressing caution and a peaceful resolution (theprint.in).
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The MEA emphasized that India conveyed its position to fellow SCO members and chose to abstain from the bloc's official discussion and the subsequent joint condemnation (theprint.in).
🕊️ SCO’s Collective Condemnation
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The SCO, led by China alongside other members like Russia and Pakistan, expressed “serious concern” and “strongly condemned” Israel’s June 13 strikes, labelling them a violation of international law and Iran’s sovereignty (theprint.in).
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The statement criticized the attacks for targeting civilian infrastructure, and urged that Iran's nuclear issues be resolved through peaceful diplomacy (indianexpress.com).
🧭 India's Strategic Neutrality
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The move highlights India’s careful balancing act—maintaining positive ties with both Israel and Iran—amid rising regional tensions (en.wikipedia.org).
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Earlier, India reached out to both capitals: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke directly with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterating India’s concern and call for stability in the region (economictimes.indiatimes.com).
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While several Indian parties in Jammu & Kashmir have urged a stronger response, India's official voice continues to emphasise restraint, diplomatic engagement, and measured public communications (theprint.in).
🌍 Broader Implications
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Diplomatic messaging: The Indian government’s decision to sidestep the SCO condemnation sends a signal that it will not be tied to every multilateral position, preferring to communicate independently.
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Strategic alignment: India’s reticence reflects its expanding defence cooperation with Israel, part of a broader pivot toward strategic autonomy in foreign policy (livemint.com, en.wikipedia.org).
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Regional stability: With Israel‑Iran tensions threatening broader instability, India’s emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy aligns with its long-held foreign policy principles.
Disclaimer: This article is based on public statements and official communications from the MEA and relevant agencies as of June 14, 2025. Diplomatic developments and policy adjustments after this date are not reflected here.
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