India’s stand apart from SCO on Israel-Iran conflict

India has chosen not to endorse the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military strikes against Iran, revealing a possible division within the influential Eurasian alliance concerning the escalating conflict.

Global leaders have urged calm amid Israel’s unprecedented assaults on Iran, a regional rival, which risk destabilizing the area. The most recent escalation began last Friday when Israel targeted Iran’s military and nuclear facilities. This episode follows two prior direct clashes between the two nations in 2024, each sparked by Israeli attacks and Iranian retaliation.

Iranian officials report that Israeli strikes have hit both civilian and military sites in Tehran and other cities, causing at least 80 deaths, including civilians and notable figures such as nuclear scientists and senior military commanders. Israeli attacks also targeted Iran’s energy infrastructure, provoking missile and drone counterattacks on Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa, resulting in casualties and injuries. Meanwhile, Tehran has halted nuclear talks with the United States.

The SCO, comprising China, Russia, India, Iran, and other Central Asian states, strongly condemned Israel’s actions as violations of international law and threats to global stability. However, India did not participate in the SCO’s condemnation discussion, citing its unique diplomatic position.

India maintains close defense ties with Israel and important economic relations with Iran, particularly through development projects like the Chabahar Port, which provides India access to Central Asia and Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan. India’s foreign ministry stressed its commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution and expressed concern about escalation.

By abstaining from the SCO statement and a recent UN ceasefire vote on Gaza, India signals its effort to balance complex regional and international interests, including its ties with the US and Israel. Analysts suggest India’s stance reflects both geopolitical realities and strategic priorities that differentiate it from other SCO members, particularly China and Russia.

US sanctions on Iran complicate India’s ambitions in the region, threatening key projects like the Chabahar Port. Despite these challenges, India’s engagement with Iran remains crucial for accessing Central Asian markets and maintaining regional influence.