Recently, India has firmly disputed the critique provided by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) about its policy in Kashmir. This criticism happened during the 47th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Niamey, Niger. The OIC is the world’s second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations and consists of members from 57 states across the globe. As the collective voice of the Muslim world, it strives to protect the interests of its people while promoting international peace and harmony.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
Founded at a summit in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, in 1969, the OIC is based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. While it represents many nations, India is not a member of this organization.
47th Session of the OIC
At the 47th session of the OIC, a report was submitted referencing the state of affairs in Jammu and Kashmir. It suggested that India’s decision to repeal the region’s special status in 2019 was intended to alter its demographic and geographical makeup, leading to accusations of human rights abuses. The report acknowledged Pakistan’s support in keeping the Kashmir issue on the OIC’s agenda.
India’s Response to OIC Criticism
In response to the OIC’s critique, India expressed strong objections, perceiving the organization’s references to Jammu and Kashmir as factually erroneous and unwarranted. India emphasized that the region is an inseparable part of the country and urged the OIC to avoid making such allegations in the future. India also criticized the organization for being exploited by countries like Pakistan, known for their lack of religious tolerance and oppression of minority communities.
Pakistan’s Efforts and Partial Success
Following India’s decision to revoke Kashmir’s special status, Pakistan sought to garner OIC’s condemnation of the move. Over the past year, Pakistan has unsuccessfully tried to stir sentiment among Islamic countries against India. Only a few nations, including Turkey and Malaysia, publicly censured India, while leading Muslim nations like Saudi Arabia and UAE remained neutral.
Implications of India’s Statement
India believes that OIC’s support for Pakistan’s stance is a double standard, especially since many members maintain good bilateral ties with India. India aims to challenge this partiality, considering the potential impact on its global standing with the impending Joe Biden administration in the U.S., known for their strong views on human rights.
Relationship between India and the OIC
India’s interaction with the OIC has been limited. A proposal to grant India observer status was rejected by Pakistan at the 45th session of the Foreign Ministers’ Summit in 2018. However, India made its first appearance at the OIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in 2019 as a “guest of honour”. A significant diplomatic victory for India, it came amid growing tensions with Pakistan.
Criticism of India’s Policies by OIC
The OIC has traditionally supported Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and criticized India’s alleged ill-treatment of Kashmiri people. In addition, they have lambasted India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, and the Babri Masjid verdict. They have also expressed concerns over rising Islamophobia in India.
India’s Rebuttal and Relations with OIC Member Countries
India has always replied that OIC has no authority over internal matters specific to India such as Jammu and Kashmir. On an individual level, India maintains favorable relations with nearly all OIC member countries, notably UAE and Saudi Arabia, with whom ties have strengthened. The OIC counts Bangladesh and Maldives—two of India’s close neighbours—among its members. Indian diplomats claim that both nations privately admit their unwillingness to become embroiled in India and Pakistan’s dispute over Kashmir.
