India distanced itself from a statement released by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) condemning Israeli strikes on Iran and clarified that it had not taken part in the discussions that led to the statement.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement and said, “The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has issued a statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran. India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement.”

The MEA reaffirmed India’s independent position on the Israel-Iran tensions, first stated on June 13, and repeated its call for calm and diplomacy. It said, “We urge that channels of dialogue and diplomacy be utilised to work towards de-escalation. It is essential that the international community undertake endeavours in that direction.”

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared India’s concerns directly with his Iranian counterpart in a recent conversation. The MEA said Jaishankar conveyed the international community’s serious concern about the rising tensions and underlined the need to avoid further escalation and return to diplomatic engagement.

The SCO statement had condemned Israeli strikes on Iranian territory and described them as “aggressive actions against civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure,” which it said led to civilian casualties and violated international law and the UN Charter. It also supported resolving tensions around Iran’s nuclear programme through peaceful and diplomatic means and extended condolences to the people and government of Iran.

India maintained its own independent position, first articulated on June 13, and again called for restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy. The previous MEA statement said, “India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues.”

The ministry said Jaishankar recently spoke to his Iranian counterpart and conveyed the international community’s deep concerns while once again urging both sides to avoid escalation and resume diplomatic processes.

India said it shared “close and friendly relations with both countries” and confirmed its willingness to support any peace-building efforts. The MEA added that Indian missions in Iran and Israel stayed in contact with the Indian community and advised Indian nationals to remain cautious and follow local advisories.