SCO summit: India joins others in condemning US & Israeli strikes on Iran

NEW DELHI: India joined other SCO member states in strongly condemning in the Tianjin Declaration the military strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, a member of the Eurasian group, in June this year. SCO had in June too condemned Israel’s military strikes on Iran in a joint statement, but India had then refused to associate itself from it saying the Indian govt wasn’t a part of the discussions that preceded the condemnation.The Tianjin Declaration said such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including nuclear energy infrastructure, which resulted in the death of civilians, are a gross violation of the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter, and an infringement of Iran’s sovereignty.”They undermine regional and international security and have serious implications for global peace and stability,” it said. The Declaration also noted that the physical nuclear safety and security of nuclear facilities must be ensured on a permanent basis, including during periods of armed conflict, in order to protect the population and the environment from harm.Reiterating their “deep concern” over the continuing escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the member states also strongly condemned the actions that have led to numerous casualties among the civilian population and a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. “They stress the need to ensure an immediate, complete and sustainable ceasefire, access to humanitarian aid, and intensified efforts to achieve peace, stability and security for all residents of the region,” it said.India had in June also abstained from voting on a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Its decision to distance itself from the SCO condemnation of Israel then was seen as another show of solidarity with Israel. The fact that Pakistan, a traditional foe, is also a member of SCO was also seen as a likely factor in India’s decision at the time.”Member states note that the only possible way to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East is through a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question,” said the Declaration.