India Distances from SCO’s Israel Condemnation: Diplomatic Nuances Explained | GK & Current Affairs

Why SCO’s Statement Matters for UPSC
The SCO’s criticism of Israel (“gross violation of international law”) and India’s refusal to endorse it highlight key IR themes:
Strategic autonomy in multilateral forums
Balancing relations with adversarial states (Iran vs. Israel)
Limitations of China/Russia-dominated institutions

India’s Diplomatic Tightrope: Key Moves
SCO Abstention (June 2025):
SCO (chaired by China) condemned Israel’s strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
India skipped discussions, citing its June 13 position: “De-escalation through dialogue“.

UNGA Vote Abstention (June 2025):
Refused to back resolution demanding “permanent Gaza ceasefire” (149 voted yes, 19 abstained).
Consistent stance: Avoids condemning Israel while urging restraint.

Decoding India’s West Asia Calculus
With Iran:
Energy security (Chabahar Port access)
Regional connectivity (Afghanistan/Central Asia)
With Israel:
Defence tech ($2.9B arms imports in 2023)
Agriculture/water collaboration
Core Principle:
“Zero-enemy policy” – Prioritize national interest over bloc politics.

SCO’s Significance & Shortcomings for India
Why Join?
Access Central Asian energy/resources
Counter Pakistan’s anti-India narratives within bloc
Platform for Afghanistan talks

Key Limitations:
Dominated by China-Pakistan axis (blocks India’s interests).
Ineffective conflict resolution (e.g., no role in Ukraine war).
Anti-West agenda clashes with India’s US/EU ties.
Iran’s SCO Entry: Game Changer?
Pros: New energy partnership avenues.
Cons:
Hardens anti-Israel bloc (Russia-China-Iran).
Complicates India’s voting choices (e.g., June 2025 statement).
 

Entrance Exam-Focused Q&As
Q1: Why did India abstain from the SCO statement on Israel?
A: To preserve strategic autonomy and avoid endorsing China-led narratives conflicting with India’s Iran-Israel balancing.
Q2: List SCO’s primary objectives (Prelims).
A: Promote regional stability, combat extremism, enhance trade/transport cooperation among members.
Q3: How does India’s Palestine policy differ from Iran’s?
A: India supports two-state solution (historical pro-Palestine tilt), while Iran backs Hamas militarily.
Q4: What is SCO’s ‘dialogue partner’ status?
A: Non-member engagement level (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Egypt) for limited cooperation without voting rights.
Q5: Why is Chabahar vital for India-Iran ties?
A: Bypasses Pakistan, connects India to Afghanistan/Central Asia, counters China’s Gwadar Port.