India skips SCO discussion on Middle East tensions, distances itself from statement condemning Israel attack on Iran

After the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) "strongly condemned" Israeli military strikes on Iran, India chose to skip the discussion on the same. New Delhi distanced itself from the SCO resolution, urging that both Iran and Israel should engage in dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation.

"India's own position on the matter had been articulated by us 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 of External Affairs statement read.

New Delhi stated that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to his Israeli and Iranian counterparts on June 13 to convey India's "deep concern" over the tense situation in the region. He also asked both nations to avoid "escalatory steps" and urged "an early return to diplomacy.

The SCO statement said that member states express serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, "strongly condemning" the military strikes carried out by Israel on June 13.

"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," added the statement.

The SCO member nations said a decision on the Iranian nuclear programme should be reached only through "peaceful, political and diplomatic means", condoling the deaths of the victims.

The statement said the unlawful action against an SCO member state is unacceptable, reaffirming their commitment to bolster peace and security.

Besides India, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Pakistan as members.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he received a call from Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, "I shared India's concerns and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region."