KKN Gurugram Desk | As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, a sharp global divide is emerging, with powerful nations taking opposing sides. While countries like the United States, France, Germany, UK, and Italy have openly backed Israel’s military actions, nations such as China, Turkey, Pakistan, Iraq, and Qatar have strongly condemned what they describe as an unjustified aggression on Iranian sovereignty.

Amid this escalating international tension, India has clarified its neutral stance, urging both sides to resolve the conflict through diplomatic and peaceful means. Notably, India has opted out of participating in the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) statement that criticized Israel’s actions against Iran.

🇮🇳 India’s Official Stand: Dialogue Over Military Action

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Saturday, emphasizing the country’s consistent policy of advocating de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. The MEA revealed that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had held a conversation with his Iranian counterpart to express concern over the worsening security situation and its impact on the region.

The ministry further clarified that although India is a member of the SCO, it did not endorse the organization’s June 13 statement, which condemned Israel’s military actions. The reason, officials stated, was India’s independent foreign policy and commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.

“India encourages all stakeholders to use diplomatic channels and avoid steps that could escalate tensions further,” the MEA said.

 SCO’s Position: Support for Iran and Nuclear Diplomacy

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, of which Iran is a full member, released a statement denouncing Israel’s attacks and expressing solidarity with Iran. The SCO emphasized the need to resolve issues related to Iran’s nuclear program through political and diplomatic channels.

The group urged its member states to support peaceful negotiations rather than unilateral military action. However, India’s non-participation in endorsing this statement has raised questions about its geopolitical balancing act between strategic ties with Israel and long-standing relations with Iran.

 Global Reactions: Who Stands Where in the Israel-Iran Conflict

The international reaction to the Israel-Iran conflict reflects a deepening geopolitical polarization. Here’s how major nations have positioned themselves:

🇺🇸 United States

Washington has extended full support to Israel, citing its right to self-defense. The White House stated that Iran’s rapid progress toward acquiring nuclear weapons poses an existential threat not only to Israel but to global stability.

🇫🇷 France

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for restraint but expressed concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, aligning with Israel’s position. France urged all parties to avoid steps that could worsen the situation.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern over Israel’s strikes but reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself. He also called for de-escalation through international mediation.

🇩🇪 Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz maintained that Israel has the right to protect its citizens, but warned against actions that could destabilize the entire Middle East.

🇮🇹 Italy

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urged Iran to avoid any escalation and called for dialogue. Italy, too, stood in support of Israel while voicing caution about regional consequences.

Countries Opposing Israel’s Actions:

🇨🇳 China

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian expressed strong concern about the consequences of Israel’s military operation. Beijing condemned actions that violate Iran’s sovereignty and regional stability, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities.

🇵🇰 Pakistan

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar took to social media to condemn Israel’s attacks on Iran, declaring solidarity with the Iranian government and its people.

🇹🇷 Turkey

The Turkish Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the Israeli strikes, describing them as a violation of international law. Turkey accused Israel of rejecting diplomatic resolutions.

🇶🇦 Qatar

Qatar called on the international community to intervene immediately and stop Israel’s violation of Iran’s sovereignty. Its Foreign Ministry labeled the airstrikes as aggressive and destabilizing.

🇮🇶 Iraq and 🇾🇪 Yemen

Both Iraq and Yemen issued statements opposing Israel’s military campaign, expressing concern about potential civilian casualties and wider regional conflict.

Why the Conflict Matters for India

India has deep strategic ties with both nations involved in the conflict. While Israel is one of India’s closest defense and technology partners, Iran remains crucial for energy security, regional connectivity, and diaspora engagement.

Any prolonged military conflict between Israel and Iran could:

• Disrupt oil supply chains, increasing energy costs

• Affect Indian students and workers in West Asia

• Jeopardize Chabahar Port connectivity and India’s interests in Central Asia

• Raise security concerns for Indian missions in the region

 India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act

India’s decision to refrain from endorsing the SCO statement highlights its strategic autonomy in foreign policy. The country’s focus remains on peace, stability, and multilateral engagement, especially as tensions rise in the Middle East.

This neutral yet proactive approach has earned India praise for its mature diplomacy, particularly in times when global powers appear divided along ideological and strategic lines.

“India continues to pursue its national interests through a multi-aligned strategy, maintaining equilibrium with both West and East,” said a senior MEA official.

As the Israel-Iran conflict deepens, the world finds itself at a crossroads, divided between supporters and critics of military action. With nuclear concerns looming large and diplomatic ties strained, the coming weeks will be critical for regional and global peace.

India’s stand, rooted in diplomacy, de-escalation, and neutrality, sets it apart as a potential mediator in a conflict where dialogue has become a rarity. While others choose sides, India’s message is clear: war is not the solution—dialogue is.

Stay with dimgrey-bison-994082.hostingersite.com for ongoing updates on the Israel-Iran conflict, India’s foreign policy, and international geopolitical shifts.