India distances itself from SCO’s censure of Israel, walks a diplomatic tightrope

In a telling display of strategic caution, India has formally distanced itself from a strongly-worded statement issued by the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) condemning Israel’s recent military strikes on Iranian territory.

The 10-member regional bloc had slammed what it called Israel’s “aggressive actions against civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure,” terming them a “gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

India, however, clarified that it did not participate in discussions leading to the statement. In a measured response, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India’s previously articulated stand, emphasizing de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy.

“India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement… Our position, as articulated on June 13, remains unchanged,” said the MEA.

Abstention at UN, balancing act abroad

The statement came a day after India abstained from a UN General Assembly vote on a draft resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. While the resolution passed overwhelmingly with 149 votes in favor, India was among just 19 countries that abstained.

India’s twin diplomatic moves underscore its tightrope walk in the Middle East, where it maintains strategic ties with both Israel and Iran.

On June 13, the MEA had said India “enjoys close and friendly relations with both countries” and stands ready to offer any support needed to de-escalate tensions.

High-level calls, cautious language

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has spoken to his counterparts in both Iran and Israel. In his call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Jaishankar reportedly expressed deep concern over the unfolding crisis and advocated restraint. Iran’s foreign ministry, in its statement, said Jaishankar conveyed India’s solidarity and sympathy with the people of Iran, while also noting his recent conversations with the French foreign minister aimed at ramping up global de-escalation efforts.

Jaishankar also spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, posted on X about a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I shared India’s concerns and emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Modi said.

Congress questions India’s silence

The government’s tight-lipped approach, however, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X questioning whether New Delhi had reduced itself to “an abject apologist for Israel,” and asked why the government had failed to condemn Tel Aviv’s strikes or targeted assassinations in Iran.

SCO’s sharp rebuke

The SCO, which includes Iran, China, Russia, and India among others, had issued a scathing statement expressing “serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East” and strongly condemned Israel’s strikes on Iranian soil, calling them a violation of sovereignty and a threat to global peace.

The bloc also urged that the Iran nuclear issue be resolved through peaceful and diplomatic means alone.

India’s abstention and distancing signal a careful calibration — avoiding entanglement while projecting itself as a potential stabilizing force in a region on the brink. But as tensions soar, so does scrutiny on New Delhi’s silence.