Our Bureau
New Delhi
India on Monday rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in resolutions adopted at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Baghdad, accusing Pakistan of orchestrating “malicious, biased and false” narratives against the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the OIC had no authority to comment on matters that were strictly internal to India.
In an official statement, the MEA expressed disappointment over the organisation’s actions, alleging that it had once again allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan to advance what it described as a “bigoted agenda”. The OIC meeting was held in Baghdad on October 17 and 18.
Reiterating New Delhi’s position, the ministry said the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were integral and inalienable parts of India. It added that politically motivated propaganda could not alter this reality.
The MEA also highlighted developments in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, pointing to economic growth and improvements in infrastructure, tourism and connectivity as benefits accruing to residents.
In its statement, India contrasted the situation in Jammu and Kashmir with conditions in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), accusing Pakistan of using violence and repression against civilian protesters. The ministry alleged that restrictions on media coverage had failed to conceal human rights violations in the region.
India further maintained that the outstanding issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir included Pakistan vacating territories under its “illegal and forcible occupation” and ending its continued support for cross-border terrorism.
The ministry also criticised references in the OIC resolutions concerning Islamophobia, describing them as attempts to divert international attention from Pakistan’s record on minority persecution, sectarian violence and governance challenges.
Questioning the organisation’s credibility and integrity, the MEA urged its members to reconsider their approach and reform the grouping.
The latest exchange underscores continuing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir, with both countries frequently raising the issue at international forums. India has consistently opposed external commentary on the region, maintaining that it is an internal matter.