India Clarifies Stance Amid Rising Tensions Between Iran and Israel

India's Position on the SCO Statement

On Saturday, India officially distanced itself from a statement made by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that criticized Israel’s military actions against Iran.

Earlier that day, the multilateral organization, which includes India, China, Pakistan, Russia, and several other Eurasian nations, condemned Israel's military operations targeting civilian areas in Iran, labeling them as a significant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.

The SCO's statement emphasized that these actions violate Iran's sovereignty and threaten both regional and global security.

In response, India's Ministry of External Affairs clarified in a press release that it did not take part in the discussions leading to the SCO's statement.

“India's stance on this issue was clearly articulated on June 13, 2025, and remains unchanged,” the release noted, urging for diplomatic channels to be utilized to de-escalate tensions.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had a conversation with his Iranian counterpart on Friday, expressing the international community's deep concerns regarding the situation.

Jaishankar also called for avoiding any further escalation and emphasized the need to return to diplomatic efforts, a position that was communicated to other SCO members.

On Friday, India expressed its serious concern over the escalating situation between Iran and Israel, stating it was closely monitoring developments, particularly reports of attacks on nuclear facilities.

New Delhi urged both parties to refrain from escalating the conflict, advocating for the use of existing diplomatic channels to address the situation and resolve underlying issues.

India maintains friendly relations with both nations and is prepared to offer support as needed. The ministry also advised Indian nationals in the region to exercise caution and adhere to local security guidelines.

Escalation of the Iran-Israel Conflict

On Friday, Israel conducted strikes on what it claimed were Iranian nuclear sites, aiming to disrupt Tehran's nuclear ambitions. These actions have raised concerns about a broader conflict.

The Israeli Defense Forces targeted locations in Tehran, Kermanshah, and Tabriz, including Iran's primary nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz.

The attacks resulted in at least 78 fatalities and over 320 injuries, with notable casualties including Iranian military leaders.

In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel on Saturday, resulting in three deaths and around 80 injuries.

Israel responded by attacking a fuel depot in Tehran, igniting a fire, and targeting one of Iran's largest oil refineries and a significant gas field crucial to its energy sector.

Iran's missile strikes hit various locations in Israel, including Haifa and Tel Aviv, leading to at least one reported death.

Israel has asserted that Iran is nearing the capability to develop a nuclear weapon, stating it must act to protect its citizens, while Iran insists its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.