On Monday, India strongly rejected the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) references to Jammu and Kashmir, calling them ‘unwarranted and factually incorrect’.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the OIC has no locus standi to comment on India’s internal affairs.
The OIC’s 51st Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) session took place in Istanbul, Turkey, from June 21 to 22. It adopted 147 resolutions, including the Istanbul Declaration.
India slammed the forum for allowing itself to be misused for narrow political agendas driven by Pakistan.
“These statements, driven by Pakistan, which has turned terrorism into statecraft, reflect the continued misuse of the OIC platform for narrow political ends,” read the MEA statement.
India highlighted the OIC’s repeated failure to acknowledge terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Citing the recent Pahalgam attack, the MEA said the OIC is wilfully ignoring facts and global consensus on counter-terrorism.
The ministry reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and sovereign part of India. It warned the OIC against allowing Pakistan propaganda to hijack its agenda.
“Any other course can only undermine the OIC’s credibility and relevance,” it added.
The MEA called Pakistan’s remarks at the meeting a desperate attempt to divert attention from its own dismal record of terrorism, minority persecution, and failed governance.
India also dismissed Pakistan’s claims of ‘unprovoked and unjustified military aggression’. It defended Operation Sindoor as a legitimate act of self-defence following the Pahalgam terror attack.
India criticised Pakistan’s claims that it only targeted military installations. The MEA said Pakistan’s retaliatory actions endangered civilian lives and caused deaths and injuries.
The statement also condemned Pakistan for attempting to lecture others on human rights despite its poor record on religious tolerance and radicalism.
The OIC calls itself the collective voice of the Muslim world and aims to promote peace and harmony. However, India stressed that Pakistan’s manipulation of the platform damages its global image.
In April, ahead of PM Modi’s Saudi Arabia visit, India had already called out Pakistan’s actions at the OIC. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described them as a ‘habit of longstanding’.
India has repeatedly urged OIC members to reject Pakistan propaganda and avoid commenting on India’s internal affairs. The MEA said it is regrettable that OIC allows a country with an abominable record to indulge in anti-India propaganda.
Despite this, India’s ties with Muslim-majority nations have grown stronger. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, relations with the Islamic world have expanded in the past decade.
India’s trade with Gulf and OIC countries now exceeds $200 billion, reflecting a robust and strategic partnership.
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