India Declines to Support SCO’s Condemnation of Israel’s Actions Against Iran
New Delhi, India — India has chosen to abstain from endorsing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) recent condemnation of Israel’s military actions against Iran, raising questions about its diplomatic stance within the influential Eurasian political bloc amid rising tensions in the region.
Global leaders have issued calls for de-escalation as violence intensifies between Israel and Iran, particularly following a series of Israeli strikes targeting strategic military and nuclear sites in Iran. The latest conflict emerged last Friday and marks a continuation of heightened military engagement that has characterized relations between the two nations over the past year.
According to Iranian officials, the recent Israeli military actions have resulted in significant casualties, including at least 80 fatalities, among both military personnel and civilians, alongside the loss of prominent nuclear scientists and military leaders. On the other hand, as Tehran retaliated with missile strikes on Israeli cities, the situation remains volatile, with casualties reported on both sides, including 13 lives lost in Israel.
In light of these developments, the SCO, currently chaired by China, expressed “serious concern” over the escalating violence and called into question the legality of Israel’s military actions, categorizing them as violations of international law. The bloc emphasized the importance of resolving the ongoing tensions through diplomatic rather than military means.
Despite these calls, India has maintained a careful diplomatic position. Following Israel’s initial strikes, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar communicated India’s concerns to Iranian officials, advocating for a return to diplomatic dialogue. India prides itself on fostering amicable relations with both Israel and Iran, which reflects its broader foreign policy objectives.
India’s abstention from the SCO’s formal statement may suggest a strategic alignment with its national interests, particularly its defense ties with Israel juxtaposed against its economic engagements with Iran. In a recent analysis, experts highlighted the complexity of India’s foreign relations, noting its reliance on Israel for military supplies while simultaneously building critical infrastructure projects like the Chabahar Port in Iran aimed at improving trade routes to Central Asia.
The evolving dynamics also provoke discussions regarding the influence of external factors, such as U.S. foreign policy on Iran, which has historically positioned the nation as a crucial energy supplier for India. The imposition of new sanctions could endanger India’s strategic investments, illustrating the delicate balance New Delhi must maintain amidst competing international pressures.
As India navigates this multifaceted geopolitical landscape, its commitment to peaceful dialogue exemplifies its aspiration for stability in an increasingly polarized region.
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