India slams OIC over Kashmir resolution, accuses Pakistan of anti-India propaganda

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) categorically dismissed the anti-India references in resolutions adopted during the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers' meeting in Baghdad over the weekend.

"The references to India are malicious, biased, and false, and have been orchestrated by Pakistan. We are disappointed that the OIC has once again allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan for its bigoted agenda," the ministry said.

India says OIC has no authority to comment on Kashmir

Reiterating New Delhi's longstanding position, the MEA said the OIC had no authority to comment on matters that fall within India's domestic jurisdiction.

The ministry maintained that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India, asserting that political statements and propaganda could not change this position.

The MEA also highlighted developments in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, pointing to economic growth, infrastructure development, tourism and improved connectivity as benefits accruing to the region's residents.

Article 370 had granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Its abrogation was followed by the reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

MEA accuses Pakistan of Rights Violations in PoJK

Countering the OIC's references to Jammu and Kashmir, India accused Pakistan of violence and repression in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

The MEA alleged that Pakistani authorities had used force against civilian protesters, resulting in the deaths of scores of people, including women and children.

The ministry also accused Islamabad of attempting to conceal alleged human rights violations by restricting media coverage.

"No amount of media blackout has been able to hide these grave violations of human rights," the statement said.

India reiterated that the outstanding issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir were Pakistan's withdrawal from territories under its "illegal and forcible occupation" and an end to its alleged support for cross-border terrorism.

India questions OIC's credibility

The MEA further accused Pakistan of using the OIC platform to divert international attention from issues within its own borders, including alleged persecution of minorities, sectarian violence, governance failures and political instability.

It also rejected what it described as fabricated and hostile references to India in the resolutions, including insinuations concerning Islamophobia.

The ministry termed these references a "desperate attempt" to shift scrutiny away from Pakistan's domestic challenges.

"The OIC's repeated endorsement of patently malicious propaganda and narratives peddled by Pakistan raises serious questions about its credibility and integrity," the MEA said.

Expressing disappointment with the grouping, India called on its members to reconsider the organisation's approach and undertake reforms.

The latest exchange underscores the continuing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir, an issue that has repeatedly featured in international forums, including the OIC.