Kashmir Takes Center Stage: Pakistan's Diplomatic Offensive at the OIC and India's Firm Rejection

Kashmir, a persistent flashpoint in South Asian geopolitics, is once again at the heart of an intense diplomatic tug-of-war, with Pakistan leveraging the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to amplify its narrative. During the high-stakes 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, embarked on a concerted mission, engaging his counterparts from influential OIC member states including Azerbaijan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Niger.

At the core of these discussions was Pakistan's unwavering insistence on what it termed 'gross and consistent human rights violations' in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

Zardari actively sought the support of these nations, urging them to back the principle of self-determination for the people of Kashmir – a stance that has long defined Pakistan's foreign policy on the issue.

The OIC, a powerful bloc of 57 Muslim-majority countries, has historically provided a platform for Pakistan's diplomatic endeavors regarding Kashmir.

The organization has frequently passed resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, echoing Pakistan's narrative. Most recently, a 'Joint Communique' emerged from the OIC foreign ministers' meeting in March 2022, further solidifying the group's position on the matter.

However, India has met these persistent efforts with an equally resolute and unequivocal rejection.

New Delhi has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an inalienable and integral part of India, asserting that the OIC, as an external entity, possesses no legitimate standing – no 'locus standi' – to comment on what India deems its purely internal affairs. This firm stance underscores India's deep-seated opposition to any internationalization of the Kashmir issue, especially by organizations perceived to be influenced by Pakistan's agenda.

India has not shied away from directly criticizing the OIC, accusing the organization of allowing itself to be 'exploited' and 'hijacked' by Pakistan.

Indian diplomats have repeatedly highlighted how Pakistan uses the OIC's platform to propagate 'baseless and malicious propaganda' against India, particularly concerning cross-border terrorism, which India firmly attributes to Pakistan-sponsored elements.

The diplomatic dance continues, with Pakistan pushing for greater international scrutiny and support within the OIC framework, and India fiercely defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This ongoing saga highlights the complex, deeply entrenched geopolitical fissures surrounding Kashmir, where narratives clash, and international alliances play a crucial role in shaping perceptions and diplomatic outcomes. As Pakistan continues its diplomatic offensive, India remains steadfast, reaffirming its sovereignty and calling out what it perceives as biased and politically motivated interference.