The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) released a joint communiqué on Monday during its 25th leaders’ summit in Tianjin, China, presenting a more unified stance on major international conflicts as Russia and China intensify efforts to reshape the global order away from U.S. and Western dominance.
One of the key points in the statement was a strong condemnation of Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran carried out in June. The communiqué described these actions as “a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter,” warning that they undermined both regional and global security. The SCO reiterated its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and called for constructive dialogue to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
However, India distanced itself from this section of the statement. Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, clarified that New Delhi had not participated in the discussions leading to this particular condemnation, reflecting India’s cautious balancing act within the bloc.
The communiqué also expressed “deep concern” over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging an immediate and lasting ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue.
Additionally, the statement criticized the recent announcement by the European E3 countries to reinstate snapback sanctions on Iran, expected to take effect next month. It denounced these measures—linked to the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—as illegal, unilateral, and contrary to international law. The SCO urged their immediate lifting to facilitate dialogue and promote economic cooperation with Tehran.
The summit’s tone underscored the growing political alignment within the SCO and its broader positioning as a counterweight to the G7 and G20. Together with the annual BRICS summit, the SCO gathering has increasingly become a platform for nations of the Global South to resist Western pressure and advocate for a multipolar world order.