Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a jibe at the government over India distancing itself from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) statement on the Israel-Iran conflict, and asked if "we we been reduced to being an abject apologist for Israel".
India said on Saturday that it did not participate in the discussions on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran and that channels of dialogue and diplomacy be utilised to work towards de-escalation.
However, India refrained from participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) discussions on a statement condemning Israel's military strikes on Iran and urged for dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has expressed his country's interest in becoming an observer in the BRICS group, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The leaders also reviewed upcoming high-level meetings, including celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev on Thursday ruled out immediate plans for a common payment system within the bloc but stressed efforts to boost national currency transactions in trade.
Speaking at the 51st Sapru House Lecture, Yermekbayev, who is on a visit to India, emphasised the need for simplifying the visa regime among member states.
Yermekbayev will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in South Block, Kirti Vardhan Singh and Minster of State for External Affairs IN Hyederabad House, as per the statement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar appreciated "kind message" and thanked Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar for his participation in the the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Council of Heads of Government meeting on Wednesday.