India Hits Back at OIC Over Kashmir Remarks, Urges Bloc to Stop Echoing Pakistan's Narrative

India has strongly rejected remarks concerning Jammu and Kashmir made by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), questioning the grouping’s authority to comment on matters that New Delhi considers part of its domestic jurisdiction. The response came after the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir issued a Joint Communiqué during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had categorically rejected what he described as uncalled-for and factually incorrect references to the country in the communiqué. Reiterating New Delhi’s position on the issue, he said the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India and maintained that the OIC has no locus standi to issue statements on matters falling within India’s internal affairs.

The Ministry of External Affairs also criticised the OIC for repeatedly taking positions on Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that continued support for what India considers politically motivated narratives could undermine the organisation’s credibility. New Delhi further accused Pakistan of using the OIC platform to advance its position on Kashmir and urged the grouping not to allow its forum to be used for what India described as an anti-India campaign.

Instead, India called on the OIC to focus its attention on cross-border terrorism, which New Delhi has repeatedly identified as a major source of instability in the region. The ministry said the grouping should encourage Pakistan to address terrorism-related concerns originating from territory under its control rather than provide an international platform for what India described as politically motivated claims.

The OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir comprises Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Niger. In its latest statement, the group expressed solidarity with Pakistan and its people and criticised India’s military action conducted in May 2025. The communiqué also raised concerns about regional stability and referred to statements by Indian leaders concerning Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

India has consistently rejected statements issued by the OIC on Jammu and Kashmir, maintaining that the issue concerns the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Delhi has also repeatedly objected to international organisations commenting on what it considers internal matters. The latest diplomatic exchange comes against the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack in 2025, in which 26 people were killed. India has said its military operation in May 2025 was carried out in response to the attack and has continued to highlight cross-border terrorism as a major security concern in its relations with Pakistan.

Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir has been facing economic and social challenges, with residents reporting concerns over rising prices, higher fuel costs, declining tourism and disruptions to communication services. Tourism and government employment remain important sources of livelihood for communities in several parts of the region.

Local resident Saad Hameed said the economic situation had become increasingly difficult, pointing to inflation, rising petrol prices and disruptions affecting daily life. He also claimed that internet services had remained suspended for an extended period in parts of the region and that interruptions to mobile networks had made routine communication difficult for residents. Public demonstrations have also been reported across parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with protesters raising concerns over inflation, electricity tariffs, education facilities and other civic issues. The Human Rights Council of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir has separately expressed concern over prolonged strikes and unrest, particularly in areas including Rawalakot, Poonch and Sudhnooti.

The council said the prolonged unrest had created uncertainty across the region and warned that continued delays in addressing public grievances could increase frustration and distrust. It called for meaningful dialogue to address the concerns of residents and resolve the issues contributing to the ongoing protests. The latest developments underline the continuing diplomatic disagreement over Jammu and Kashmir. While the OIC Contact Group continues to raise the issue at international forums, India maintains that the organisation has no role in matters it considers part of its sovereign jurisdiction. At the same time, economic difficulties and local governance concerns continue to fuel public debate and protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.