The 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) recently hosted a significant guest – India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM). The event took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the OIC. Despite being a founding member of the OIC, Pakistan wasn’t present at the session.
India’s Address at OIC
During the OIC summit, without directly naming Pakistan, the EAM expressed that countries providing shelter and funding to terrorists need to dismantle their terrorist camp infrastructure and cease their support. An emphasis was placed on the fight against terrorism, not religion, as India is a harmonious home to over 185 million Muslims.
About the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Established in 1969 following a fire in Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the OIC is one of the largest inter-governmental organisations globally. Born from a summit in Rabat, the Kingdom of Morocco, the OIC is founded on a treaty involving multiple nations working collaboratively on shared interests. The OIC consists of 57 member states and 12 observers, including the United Nations. As a collective voice of the Muslim world, the organization strives to protect the interests of Muslims with a spirit promoting international peace and harmony among various global populations. The members of the OIC account for more than one-fourth of the United Nations’ member base and nearly a quarter of the world’s population, making it a highly influential force in shaping our world.
| Founded | 1969 |
|---|---|
| Members | 57 |
| Observers | 12 |
| Constitutes United Nations members | More than one-fourth |
| Constitutes world’s population | Nearly quarter |
| Founded after | Fire in Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem |
| First summit held in | Rabat, the Kingdom of Morocco |
Significance of India’s Invitation
The invitation to address the OIC is deemed a major diplomatic victory for India, as it marks the first time an Indian EAM received such an invite. This may be part of India’s efforts to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. In 1969, the then Union Minister Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed’s invitation was withdrawn due to Pakistan’s insistence. According to the official announcement by the UAE, India’s invitation was extended in recognition of its global political stature and its rich cultural, historical legacy which includes a significant Islamic component.
Critical Analysis of India’s Attendance at OIC
India, as a secular country, does not place religion above nationality. Therefore, the government must cautiously consider its engagement with the OIC, an organization rooted in Muslim brotherhood, implying a collective identity based on faith. However, India is not supportive of this philosophy. Hence, if India is to engage with the OIC, it should be driven by national interest and not religious affiliation. Past experiences with OIC’s stance on Kashmir and recent condemnation of Indian Airforce strikes in Pakistan are issues to consider when assessing India’s relationship with the OIC.
OIC’s Stand on Kashmir
The 45th session issued a strong statement on Kashmir that criticized India while supporting third-party intervention and self-determination. The statement declared the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani as “extra-judicial” and branded the elections in Kashmir as “farcical”. Over the past decades, India has expended significant diplomatic capital to counter OIC’s stands at various international organizations. By attending the OIC, India is legitimizing the same organization.
Final Thoughts on India and OIC
Diplomatic capital refers to the trust, goodwill, and influence which a diplomat, or a state represented by its diplomats, has within international diplomacy. India’s association with OIC could be seen in light of this definition of diplomatic capital. Despite some contentious issues in the past, the invitation extended to India can be viewed as recognition of its global stature and importance.
