India’s Permanent Representative P Harish criticized the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for interfering in the Kashmir issue. He questioned the OIC’s authority in matters unrelated to international peace and security, emphasizing the importance of regional expertise in conflict resolution. While not explicitly naming the OIC, Harish’s remarks were clearly directed at the organization.
The OIC has repeatedly raised the Kashmir issue within its framework, including in a statement by its general secretariat last October. Harish made these comments during the Security Council Open Debate on peaceful dispute settlement, particularly in response to Pakistan’s focus on Kashmir.
Harish highlighted the role of established regional organizations in conflict resolution but emphasized that cross-regional groups like the OIC may not be suitable for such involvement. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative also emphasized the Kashmir dispute as a crucial factor affecting peace in South Asia.
The OIC, with 57 member states across four continents, primarily focuses on religious solidarity rather than international peace and security. This focus raises questions about its suitability for addressing regional disputes like Kashmir. The OIC’s previous statements have expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and called for the implementation of Security Council resolutions on the region.
