NEW DELHI: India has joined other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in condemning military actions by Israel and the United States against Iran. The statement was made through the Tianjin Declaration, which described the strikes on Iranian civilian and nuclear facilities as violations of international law and threats to global peace.
The declaration noted that the attacks killed civilians and targeted critical infrastructure, including nuclear energy sites. It said such actions infringe upon Iran’s sovereignty and undermine regional and international security. The statement called for permanent safeguards to protect nuclear facilities during conflicts to prevent risks to people and the environment.
The SCO also voiced concern over the escalating Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The declaration condemned the high civilian death toll and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It urged an immediate and lasting ceasefire, unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and renewed efforts for peace and stability in the region.
India’s alignment with the declaration marks a shift from its position in June, when it distanced itself from a similar SCO statement condemning Israel’s strikes on Iran. At that time, India had also abstained from voting on a United Nations resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, a move seen as reflecting New Delhi’s closer ties with Israel.
The Tianjin Declaration reaffirmed that peace and stability in the Middle East can only be achieved through a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue.
