'Go counsel Pakistan': India hits back at OIC over Kashmir remarks

India described the OIC's references to Jammu and Kashmir as “unwarranted and factually incorrect.”

Prefer HTon Google

India on Wednesday strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir made by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group, saying the group would be “better advised to counsel Pakistan” instead of offering it a platform.

A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the grouping has no locus standi to comment on matters that are strictly internal to India. It further described the OIC's references to Jammu and Kashmir as “unwarranted and factually incorrect”.

“The OIC has no locus standi to pronounce on matters that are strictly internal to India,” the MEA said, reiterating that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are “integral and inalienable” parts of India.

The statement came after the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir met on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

India questions OIC's credibility

The MEA said repeated endorsement of what it called “politically motivated propaganda” raised questions about the credibility of the OIC. “Repeated endorsement of such motivated narratives only raises serious questions on the credibility of OIC,” it said.

India also rejected what it described as attempts to alter the status of Jammu and Kashmir through repeated references at international forums.

The OIC Contact Group comprises Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Niger. The group met in New York on Tuesday and reaffirmed its support for what it described as the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination.

India asks OIC to counsel Pakistan

In its response, New Delhi also directly hit out at Pakistan, accusing it of using the OIC platform to push what India described as “fabricated and motivated propaganda”.

“Instead of offering a platform to Pakistan to peddle its fabricated and motivated propaganda, OIC will be better advised to counsel Pakistan,” the MEA said.

India further accused Pakistan of having a “well-documented record of supporting and sponsoring terrorism” and called on Islamabad to address what it described as the continuing threat of terrorism emanating from territories under its control.

The OIC meeting was also addressed by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who urged OIC members to maintain a unified position on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN and other international forums. He called for the reversal of measures taken by India since August 5, 2019, and sought the release of political prisoners and access for international observers.

• 

  Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More