India has strongly criticized the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its repeated statements on Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the region is an integral part of India and that the OIC has no right to interfere in its internal affairs. This firm stance comes in response to the OIC's criticism of India's actions in Kashmir, which India views as echoing Pakistan's propaganda.
India has consistently rejected the OIC's statements as "unwarranted references" to Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that the OIC has "no locus standi" on matters related to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the region is an "integral and inalienable part of India". India has also accused the OIC of pursuing a "communal agenda" at the behest of Pakistan.
India's strong reaction also follows the OIC's criticism of India for what it describes as "unfounded allegations" against Pakistan and commending Islamabad for its restraint after a militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir. The OIC has also called for United Nations access to the region and a referendum to determine its future, further激化ing tensions with India.
The OIC, a 57-member organization of Muslim-majority countries, has long been viewed as supportive of Pakistan's position on Kashmir. The organization has repeatedly called for the "self-determination" of the Kashmiri people, echoing Pakistan's demand for a plebiscite under UN supervision. India, however, has consistently rejected third-party involvement and maintains that Kashmir is a sovereign part of its territory.
India has also criticized the OIC for its selective focus on Kashmir, arguing that the organization remains silent on human rights abuses in its member states. Despite hosting the world's third-largest Muslim population, India has been excluded from the OIC, a situation often attributed to Pakistan's opposition.
India's relationship with the OIC has been strained over the years due to the organization's stance on Kashmir. India has questioned the OIC's right to intervene in Kashmir affairs, asserting that the organization is misguided by Pakistan. Despite these tensions, some OIC member states, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have developed closer ties with India, focusing on economic and strategic partnerships.