India has chosen not to support the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) recent condemnation of Israel’s military strikes on Iran. This move has highlighted New Delhi’s attempt to carefully manage its ties with both countries while protecting its own strategic interests.
The SCO, which includes major powers such as China, Russia, and Iran, criticized Israel’s recent attacks. It called them a violation of international law and a threat to global peace. Iran claims the strikes killed more than 80 people, including civilians, scientists, and military leaders. Tehran also says vital energy and transport facilities were damaged. In return, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa, causing more deaths and injuries.
Despite the strong SCO position, India chose not to join the bloc’s statement. It did not take part in discussions or support the official message issued by the SCO. This has raised questions about India’s foreign policy and its balancing act between conflicting alliances.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs released a neutral statement instead. It said the government was “closely monitoring the evolving situation” and called for “restraint and a return to diplomacy.” The ministry added that India values its friendship with both Israel and Iran and is ready to help restore calm.
India’s decision reflects the complexities of its foreign relationships. It is one of Israel’s top defense partners and has purchased large amounts of military equipment from Tel Aviv. At the same time, India is investing heavily in Iran’s Chabahar Port, a key trade route to Central Asia and Afghanistan that helps it avoid transit through Pakistan.
Experts believe India’s refusal to back the SCO condemnation was expected. New Delhi’s growing relationship with the United States may also be a factor. A trade deal with Washington is currently in progress, and India likely wants to avoid upsetting key Western partners. Just a day before the SCO statement, India also abstained from voting on a United Nations resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, further showing its cautious approach.
Some analysts see India as an outlier within the SCO. While China and Russia have shown strong support for Iran, India’s ties with the U.S. and Israel put it in a different position. Accepting the SCO’s wording would have placed New Delhi at odds with its broader international goals.
There are also economic risks involved. Before U.S. sanctions, Iran was India’s third-largest oil supplier. But with former President Donald Trump reinstated in office and renewing sanctions on Tehran, India’s plans are under threat. This includes its work on the Chabahar Port. The port is vital for India’s regional influence, offering direct trade access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. If sanctions block this project, India could lose millions of dollars and strategic ground.
Analysts say India is trying to keep a fine balance. It wants to maintain good relations with Israel, a key defense partner, while also securing trade and infrastructure interests in Iran. With tensions rising between Tehran and Tel Aviv, and growing international pressure, New Delhi’s position is being tested.
India’s distancing from the SCO’s criticism of Israel may look like support for Tel Aviv, but officials insist the country remains neutral. Their goal, they say, is to encourage peace and dialogue while avoiding actions that could damage long-term interests in either direction.
India’s careful approach may allow it to remain engaged with all sides. But it also highlights the challenges of managing foreign policy in a time of rising global tensions. For now, New Delhi is walking a diplomatic tightrope, trying to avoid taking sides in a dangerous conflict while keeping its own ambitions intact.
