India rejects OIC resolutions adopted in Baghdad, accuses Pakistan of orchestrating references

India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected references to the country in resolutions adopted at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s October 17–18 meeting in Baghdad, Iraq, and accused Pakistan of orchestrating them, The Hindu reported on October 19. The response renews a dispute over who can speak about Jammu and Kashmir in an international forum.

The ministry called the references ‘malicious, biased and false’ and said it was disappointed that the OIC had allowed itself to be used by Pakistan for what it called a ‘bigoted agenda’, according to The Hindu. Pakistan’s alleged role is the ministry’s claim.

India’s objections over Jammu and Kashmir

The ministry pointed to what it described as economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir since the removal of Article 370, citing infrastructure, tourism and connectivity. It also alleged that Pakistan had used violence against civilian protesters in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and that scores of people, including women and children, had been killed. Those allegations were not independently established in the retained reporting.

In the ministry’s view, the outstanding issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir are Pakistan leaving areas India says it occupies and ending support for cross-border terrorism. Its statement also portrayed references to Islamophobia in the resolutions as an attempt by Pakistan to divert attention from its own record on minorities, sectarian violence and governance.

The ministry questioned the OIC’s credibility and called on its members to reform the organization, The Hindu reported. The account identifies India’s objections but gives limited detail about the wording of the resolutions themselves.

Pakistan’s diplomacy during the Baghdad meeting

Separately, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the OIC meeting and the regional situation with Iran’s foreign minister in a Sunday phone call. Dawn said the two agreed to remain in close contact; Dar also spoke with Egypt’s foreign minister about regional developments and cooperation under the Regional Four framework.

Dawn reported that Iran’s foreign minister told the OIC meeting that Iran rejected coercion and threats but remained ready for dialogue. That account describes activity around the meeting; it does not establish Pakistan’s alleged role in the references India condemned.