OIC Expresses Support For Self-rule In Jammu & Kashmir At 14th Summit, India Hits Back At OIC.

Gravitas: OIC's Kashmir Provocation: India Lashes Out

The OIC in its communiqué had mentioned Jammu and Kashmir six times. MEA has countered by stating that the OIC has no locus standi in matters relating to the state.

India slams OIC for its references to Jammu and Kashmir

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Mecca condemned a "terrorist attack" on Saudi Arabia's oil pumping stations which targeted global oil supplies, its final statement said on Saturday. The summit also condemned "sabotage operations" against four vessels near the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates, which it said threatened international maritime traffic safety.

OIC condemns 'terrorist attack' on Saudi oil pumping stations

India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas.&nbsp;

In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

On March 1, India was for the first time invited at OIC foreign minister meet.

He also spoke on the US recognising Golan heights and said his govt will go to the international court of justice against the decision.&nbsp;

WION: Your reaction to US decision to recognise Golan heights?

Dr Riad Abbas: The resolution is a dirty deal between 2 persons, US president Donald Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu for there personal benefit. Netanyahu got a guarantee he will win elections in Israel. This declaration will not change anything on the ground in Syria. Syrian Golan occupied by Israel is Syrian land and will put effort to make it back as Syrian country by political way or another way.

WION: Do you plan to go to the International court of justice?&nbsp;

Dr Riad Abbas: We will do whatever on our right. we will take any action in the international arena and united nations, international court. Our govt will not keep quiet on our right on Golan height.

WION: How do you see India Syria relationship?

Dr Riad Abbas: There is a good relationship between both the countries since independence. and relation enhanced a few years ago and there have been high-level mutual visits. we highly appreciate the Indian position on the Syrian issue. we will never forget Indian support. Thank u India.

WION: How do u see India at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)?

Dr Riad Abbas: On behalf of our govt, we want India to be a full member of OIC and India has a big number of Islamic people. They have to be a full member at &nbsp;OIC. Syria govt support India at OIC and other international groupings. Syria has a positive position to support India at OIC and all Islamic conference. India has full right to be a permanent member of OIC and we would like to see New Delhi as a full member of OIC.

WION: Reports of Indians in Islamic State (IS)?

Dr Riad Abbas: Full cooperation between the securities of both countries. If the Syrian army gets an Indian in IS we will hand over to India. There is full cooperation between 2 countries on security.

WION: New Delhi's role in solving the Syrian crisis?

Dr Riad Abbas: we appreciate Indian position and we have full trust in Indian policy and look forward to India to do best in the international arena — in middle east or intl arena.

India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas. In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

India has a big number of Islamic people and we want India to be a full member of OIC, said Syrian Ambassador to India, Riad Abbas. In an interview with WION, Riad Abbas talked about his views on India-Syria relationship, Islamic State and India's membership at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). On March 1, India was for the first time invited at OIC foreign minister meet. He also spoke on the US recognising Golan heights and said his govt will go to the international court of justice against the decision. WION: Your reaction to US decision to recognise Golan heights? Dr Riad Abbas: The resolution is a dirty deal between 2 persons, US president Donald Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu for there personal benefit. Netanyahu got a guarantee he will win elections in Israel. This declaration will not change anything on the ground in Syria. Syrian Golan occupied by Israel is Syrian land and will put effort to make it back as Syrian country by political way or another way. WION: Do you plan to go to the International court of justice? Dr Riad Abbas: We will do whatever on our right. we will take any action in the international arena and united nations, international court. Our govt will not keep quiet on our right on Golan height. WION: How do you see India Syria relationship? Dr Riad Abbas: There is a good relationship between both the countries since independence. and relation enhanced a few years ago and there have been high-level mutual visits. we highly appreciate the Indian position on the Syrian issue. we will never forget Indian support. Thank u India. WION: How do u see India at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)? Dr Riad Abbas: On behalf of our govt, we want India to be a full member of OIC and India has a big number of Islamic people. They have to be a full member at OIC. Syria govt support India at OIC and other international groupings. Syria has a positive position to support India at OIC and all Islamic conference. India has full right to be a permanent member of OIC and we would like to see New Delhi as a full member of OIC. WION: Reports of Indians in Islamic State (IS)? Dr Riad Abbas: Full cooperation between the securities of both countries. If the Syrian army gets an Indian in IS we will hand over to India. There is full cooperation between 2 countries on security. WION: New Delhi's role in solving the Syrian crisis? Dr Riad Abbas: we appreciate Indian position and we have full trust in Indian policy and look forward to India to do best in the international arena — in middle east or intl arena.

Syria backs India as a full-fledged member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

Indian govt reacts to statement released by OIC, says Jammu & Kashmir an integral part of India

Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-a-diplomatic-victory-for-india-rajnath-singh-on-indias-invite-to-oic-meet-200709">two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi</a>.

"As regards the resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, our stand is consistent and well known. We reaffirm that Jammu &amp; Kashmir is an integral part of India and is a matter strictly internal to India," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Raveesh Kumar said.

Earlier, the Pakistan Foreign Office said that the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC concluded with a resolution that "supported" Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

"In a resolution, the OIC member states reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains the core dispute between Pakistan and India and its resolution is indispensable for the dream for peace in South Asia," it claimed.

The resolution also "expressed deep concern" over the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir, the Pakistan Foreign Office claimed, adding that the resolution also reminded the international community of its obligation to ensure implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on the Kashmir dispute.

The OIC is a grouping of 57 countries, majority of which are Muslim-dominated. It has usually been supportive of Pakistan and, often sided with Islamabad on the Kashmir issue.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj attended the inaugural plenary of the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC on Friday. She was the first Indian minister to address the OIC meeting.

India's participation came despite strong demand by Pakistan to rescind the invitation to Swaraj to address the grouping which was turned down by the host UAE, resulting in Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi boycotting the plenary.

Swaraj attended the meeting in Abu Dhabi on March 1 as the guest of honour at the invitation extended by the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates.

"We deeply appreciate this historic gesture on the 50th anniversary of their first meeting," the MEA spokesperson said.

The OIC also called for "restraint and de-escalation" in South Asia as well as the need to resolve outstanding issues through peaceful means, the Pakistan Foreign Office said.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi.

Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the issue is strictly internal to the country, New Delhi asserted Saturday, in reaction to a resolution on the matter by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in its two-day foreign ministers' conclave in Abu Dhabi. "As regards the resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, our stand is consistent and well known. We reaffirm that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India and is a matter strictly internal to India," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Raveesh Kumar said. Earlier, the Pakistan Foreign Office said that the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC concluded with a resolution that "supported" Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. "In a resolution, the OIC member states reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains the core dispute between Pakistan and India and its resolution is indispensable for the dream for peace in South Asia," it claimed. The resolution also "expressed deep concern" over the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir, the Pakistan Foreign Office claimed, adding that the resolution also reminded the international community of its obligation to ensure implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on the Kashmir dispute. The OIC is a grouping of 57 countries, majority of which are Muslim-dominated. It has usually been supportive of Pakistan and, often sided with Islamabad on the Kashmir issue. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj attended the inaugural plenary of the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC on Friday. She was the first Indian minister to address the OIC meeting. India's participation came despite strong demand by Pakistan to rescind the invitation to Swaraj to address the grouping which was turned down by the host UAE, resulting in Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi boycotting the plenary. Swaraj attended the meeting in Abu Dhabi on March 1 as the guest of honour at the invitation extended by the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates. "We deeply appreciate this historic gesture on the 50th anniversary of their first meeting," the MEA spokesperson said. The OIC also called for "restraint and de-escalation" in South Asia as well as the need to resolve outstanding issues through peaceful means, the Pakistan Foreign Office said.

Jammu and Kashmir integral to us: India in reaction to OIC resolution

Indian government reacts to statement released by OIC

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday commended India's invitation to the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/representatives-of-pak-embassy-abu-dhabi-to-attend-oic-meet-200551">Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a> (OIC).

Calling it a diplomatic victory for India, Singh said the image of the country had become such that for the first time it received an invitation&nbsp;from the OIC.

"Entire world stands together against terrorism. No representative of India used to be invited to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) but India's image has become such, that OIC invited India for the first time. It is a diplomatic victory, " he said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was invited as&nbsp;a Guest of Honour to attend a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-to-be-guest-of-honour-at-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-oic-meet-in-dubai-199141">conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a>&nbsp;(OIC) in Abu Dhabi.

At the meeting on Friday, Swaraj highlighted&nbsp;India's diversity and coexistence while calling on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terrorism.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-boycotts-islamic-cooperation-meet-over-indias-presence-200455">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a>&nbsp;had officially announced his boycott from the OIC Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi over Indian presence.&nbsp;He had however added that a lower level official from the Pakistan&nbsp;government will be present in the meet.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday commended India's invitation to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Calling it a diplomatic victory for India, Singh said the image of the country had become such that for the first time it received an invitation from the OIC.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday commended India's invitation to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Calling it a diplomatic victory for India, Singh said the image of the country had become such that for the first time it received an invitation from the OIC. "Entire world stands together against terrorism. No representative of India used to be invited to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) but India's image has become such, that OIC invited India for the first time. It is a diplomatic victory, " he said. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was invited as a Guest of Honour to attend a conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Abu Dhabi. At the meeting on Friday, Swaraj highlighted India's diversity and coexistence while calling on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terrorism. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had officially announced his boycott from the OIC Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi over Indian presence. He had however added that a lower level official from the Pakistan government will be present in the meet.

It is a diplomatic victory for India: Rajnath Singh on OIC's invite to India

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday said that he would not be&nbsp;attending a meeting of foreign ministers from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-attends-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-meet-as-guest-of-honour-pakistan-threatens-to-boycott-due-to-delhis-presence-200426">Organisation of Islamic Cooperation </a>in Abu Dhabi as his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj&nbsp;had been invited to the same event.

"I will not go to the council of foreign ministers," Qureshi was quoted as saying in the parliament, adding that lower-ranking officials would attend to represent Pakistan's interests.

Indian pilot release 
Qureshi said downed Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman will be handed over to Indian authorities later on Friday in an effort to de-escalate a crisis between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

"As a gesture of peace and to de-escalate matters, the Indian pilot who is under arrest with us will be released today in the afternoon at the Wagah border," Qureshi told parliament, referring to the border crossing near Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore.

UN, Russia mediation&nbsp;

Qureshi also appealed to United Nations General Secretary António Guterres and Russia to play a mediation role to de-escalate tensions in South Asia, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Qureshi is comment comes amid growing tension between India and Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack and subsequent military intervention from both the sides.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday said that he would not be attending a meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Abu Dhabi as his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj had been invited to the same event.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday said that he would not be attending a meeting of foreign ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Abu Dhabi as his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj had been invited to the same event. "I will not go to the council of foreign ministers," Qureshi was quoted as saying in the parliament, adding that lower-ranking officials would attend to represent Pakistan's interests. Indian pilot release Qureshi said downed Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman will be handed over to Indian authorities later on Friday in an effort to de-escalate a crisis between the nuclear-armed neighbours. "As a gesture of peace and to de-escalate matters, the Indian pilot who is under arrest with us will be released today in the afternoon at the Wagah border," Qureshi told parliament, referring to the border crossing near Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore. UN, Russia mediation Qureshi also appealed to United Nations General Secretary António Guterres and Russia to play a mediation role to de-escalate tensions in South Asia, news agency ANI reported. Qureshi is comment comes amid growing tension between India and Pakistan following Pulwama terror attack and subsequent military intervention from both the sides.

Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi boycotts OIC over Indian presence 

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-reaches-abu-dhabi-to-address-oic-conclave-200373">reached Abu Dhabi</a>, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting. The meeting will be held from on March 1 and 2 and, in a first, will have the Indian foreign minister as its chief guest.

Swaraj will speak during the plenary session&nbsp;during which she will underscore the long historical ties that India enjoys with the OIC members.&nbsp;

Pakistan earlier threatened to boycott the OIC meet in the wake of India's participation. Pak foreign minister on Friday confirmed that he will give the conclave a skip due to India's presence.

"I will not attend Council of Foreign Ministers as a matter of principle for having extended invitation as a Guest of Honour to Sushma Swaraj," Qureshi was quoted by media reports on Friday.

Pak foreign ministry spokesperson has earlier stated that if Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj goes, Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi won't be going to the OIC meeting.&nbsp;

Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi.

It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan.

UAE had invited India for the OIC Meet saying that it will open the session of March 1, "with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its International political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour"

Welcoming the invitation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said," We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world."

India's presence can be seen as a big diplomatic coup in the backdrop of New Delhi's hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, which was being criticised. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last 4 years.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi, UAE to participate at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting. The meeting will be held from on March 1 and 2 and, in a first, will have the Indian foreign minister as its chief guest. Swaraj will speak during the plenary session during which she will underscore the long historical ties that India enjoys with the OIC members. Pakistan earlier threatened to boycott the OIC meet in the wake of India's participation. Pak foreign minister on Friday confirmed that he will give the conclave a skip due to India's presence. "I will not attend Council of Foreign Ministers as a matter of principle for having extended invitation as a Guest of Honour to Sushma Swaraj," Qureshi was quoted by media reports on Friday. Pak foreign ministry spokesperson has earlier stated that if Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj goes, Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi won't be going to the OIC meeting. Pakistan's foreign minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi. It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan. UAE had invited India for the OIC Meet saying that it will open the session of March 1, "with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its International political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour" Welcoming the invitation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said," We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world." India's presence can be seen as a big diplomatic coup in the backdrop of New Delhi's hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, which was being criticised. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last 4 years.

India attends Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meet as 'guest of honour', Pakistan boycotts

India at OIC: A Major Diplomatic Victory

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Maldives' and Bangladesh counterparts, Abdulla Shahid and Dr AK Abdul Momen, respectively on the sidelines of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-oic-sushma-swaraj-highlights-indias-diversity-slams-pakistan-for-its-support-to-terror-200512">46th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)</a> Foreign Ministers Meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

The Foreign Ministers of India and Maldives discussed follow up to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's maiden visit to India last year and exchanged their views on the regional situation.

"A close friend and a maritime neighbour. EAM @SushmaSwaraj met #Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on the sidelines of #OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in #AbuDhabi. Discussed follow up to Maldives President's visit to India and exchanged views on the regional situation," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj and her Bangladeshi counterpart had a "good exchange" of views on bilateral issues, Kumar further informed.

"Good exchange of views on issues of bilateral importance in EAM @SushmaSwaraj meeting with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr AK Abdul Momen on the sidelines of #OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in #AbuDhabi. #NeighbourhoodFirst," Kumar tweeted.

Earlier today, Swaraj addressed the plenary session of the conference as the ‘Guest of Honour’ which was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-boycotts-islamic-cooperation-meet-over-indias-presence-200455">boycotted by Pakistan</a> as a protest against the invitation to India for the first time in the grouping’s 50-year-old history.

In her speech, Swaraj said the fight against terrorism is not against any religion but underlined that the countries providing shelter and funding to it must be asked to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism based in their countries, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

The minister also underlined that those indulging in terrorism are resorting to “distortion of religion” and giving different names to the menace to justify it.

Swaraj asserted that “senseless terrorist violence” was destroying lives, destabilising regions, and putting the world at great peril as its “lethality” was increasing and “toll rising”.

She also spoke about India's civilisational links and close partnership with the Muslim countries across the world.

Swaraj is currently on a two-day visit to the UAE, which would conclude on Saturday.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Maldives' and Bangladesh counterparts, Abdulla Shahid and Dr AK Abdul Momen, respectively on the sidelines of 46th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Maldives' and Bangladesh counterparts, Abdulla Shahid and Dr AK Abdul Momen, respectively on the sidelines of 46th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday. The Foreign Ministers of India and Maldives discussed follow up to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's maiden visit to India last year and exchanged their views on the regional situation. "A close friend and a maritime neighbour. EAM @SushmaSwaraj met #Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on the sidelines of #OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in #AbuDhabi. Discussed follow up to Maldives President's visit to India and exchanged views on the regional situation," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Swaraj and her Bangladeshi counterpart had a "good exchange" of views on bilateral issues, Kumar further informed. "Good exchange of views on issues of bilateral importance in EAM @SushmaSwaraj meeting with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr AK Abdul Momen on the sidelines of #OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in #AbuDhabi. #NeighbourhoodFirst," Kumar tweeted. Earlier today, Swaraj addressed the plenary session of the conference as the ‘Guest of Honour’ which was boycotted by Pakistan as a protest against the invitation to India for the first time in the grouping’s 50-year-old history. In her speech, Swaraj said the fight against terrorism is not against any religion but underlined that the countries providing shelter and funding to it must be asked to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism based in their countries, in an apparent reference to Pakistan. The minister also underlined that those indulging in terrorism are resorting to “distortion of religion” and giving different names to the menace to justify it. Swaraj asserted that “senseless terrorist violence” was destroying lives, destabilising regions, and putting the world at great peril as its “lethality” was increasing and “toll rising”. She also spoke about India's civilisational links and close partnership with the Muslim countries across the world. Swaraj is currently on a two-day visit to the UAE, which would conclude on Saturday.

Swaraj discusses bilateral issues with Maldivian, Bangladeshi counterparts at OIC meet

Pakistan which had earlier&nbsp;announced its boycott from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers meet over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/swaraj-discusses-bilateral-issues-with-her-maldivian-bangladeshi-counterparts-at-oic-meet-200538">presence of India</a>, clarified on Friday that it is the Foreign Minister who will boycott the meet as the&nbsp;Representatives of Pak Embassy Abu Dhabi will attend the meeting.

Pakistan Foreign Minister&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-boycotts-islamic-cooperation-meet-over-indias-presence-200455">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> had said&nbsp;earlier, "I have decided, that I will not go to the foreign ministers meet."

He had however added that a lower level official from the Pakistan&nbsp;government will be present in the meet.

"Our lower level officials will be present to defend Pakistan’s resolution, in sure if someone tries to give India an observer status we can oppose it," he added.

Qureshi had also written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him that UAE should rescind invite to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-oic-sushma-swaraj-highlights-indias-diversity-slams-pakistan-for-its-support-to-terror-200512">India</a> or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi.

In in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan.

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is participating in the IOC meeting. This is the first time India has been invited as a guest of honour at the OIC.

Pakistan which had earlier announced its boycott from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers meet over the presence of India, clarified on Friday that it is the Foreign Minister who will boycott the meet as the Representatives of Pak Embassy Abu Dhabi will attend the meeting.

Pakistan which had earlier announced its boycott from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers meet over the presence of India, clarified on Friday that it is the Foreign Minister who will boycott the meet as the Representatives of Pak Embassy Abu Dhabi will attend the meeting. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said earlier, "I have decided, that I will not go to the foreign ministers meet." He had however added that a lower level official from the Pakistan government will be present in the meet. "Our lower level officials will be present to defend Pakistan’s resolution, in sure if someone tries to give India an observer status we can oppose it," he added. Qureshi had also written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him that UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi. In in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan. Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is participating in the IOC meeting. This is the first time India has been invited as a guest of honour at the OIC.

Representatives of Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi to attend OIC meet 

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-to-be-guest-of-honour-at-organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-oic-meet-in-dubai-199141">conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</a> (OIC) as a Guest of Honour.

"Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world. EAM SushmaSwaraj arrives in Abu Dhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> arrives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDhabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDhabi</a> for the Ministerial Meeting of <a href="https://twitter.com/OIC_OCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OIC_OCI</a>. India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'. <a href="https://t.co/wzQbVOGczN">pic.twitter.com/wzQbVOGczN</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1101225141428736000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj will address the plenary of the two-day 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the 57-member body. She has been invited by UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address the OIC meeting.

Swaraj, who will be attending as a 'Guest of Honour' despite Pakistan's objections, will underscore India's long and historical relationship with the OIC member countries, sources said on Thursday.

India considers its bilateral ties with the UAE as vital, the sources said.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has threatened to boycott the OIC meet if Swaraj participated.

Before Swaraj's departure, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the recent developments and urged the need for resumption of dialogue between the two countries.

"Mohamed bin Zayed makes telephone calls to Indian and Pakistani prime ministers, stresses importance of dealing wisely with recent developments and giving priority to dialogue and communication," read a tweet.

The Indian Air Force strike on Tuesday in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa&nbsp;province&nbsp;destroyed a major terrorist training camp run by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and eliminated a "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders.

On Wednesday morning, India foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane while losing its own MiG-21 jet after which a pilot was “missing in action”.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a Guest of Honour. "Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday reached Abu Dhabi to attend a conclave of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a Guest of Honour. "Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world. EAM SushmaSwaraj arrives in Abu Dhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs. Recognising India’s engagement with the Islamic world EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in #AbuDhabi for the Ministerial Meeting of @OIC_OCI. India has been invited by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of UAE as the 'Guest of Honour'. pic.twitter.com/wzQbVOGczN — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 28, 2019 × Swaraj will address the plenary of the two-day 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the 57-member body. She has been invited by UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address the OIC meeting. Swaraj, who will be attending as a 'Guest of Honour' despite Pakistan's objections, will underscore India's long and historical relationship with the OIC member countries, sources said on Thursday. India considers its bilateral ties with the UAE as vital, the sources said. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has threatened to boycott the OIC meet if Swaraj participated. Before Swaraj's departure, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to discuss the recent developments and urged the need for resumption of dialogue between the two countries. "Mohamed bin Zayed makes telephone calls to Indian and Pakistani prime ministers, stresses importance of dealing wisely with recent developments and giving priority to dialogue and communication," read a tweet. The Indian Air Force strike on Tuesday in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province destroyed a major terrorist training camp run by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and eliminated a "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders. On Wednesday morning, India foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane while losing its own MiG-21 jet after which a pilot was “missing in action”.

Sushma Swaraj reaches Abu Dhabi to address OIC conclave

Highlighting India's diversity and coexistence while calling on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terrorism, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Friday raised the issue as the main focus at the 46th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Minister meet.

Carrying the "greetings" of 1.3 billion Indians including 185 million Muslim brothers and sisters, EAM said, "Our Muslim brothers and sisters are a microcosm of the diversity of India. They speak Tamil and Telugu, Malayalam and Marathi, Bangla and Bhojpuri or any of the numerous languages of India."

"They practice their respective beliefs and live in harmony with each other and with their non-Muslim brethren. It is this appreciation of diversity and co-existence, that has ensured that very few Muslims in India have fallen prey to the poisonous propaganda of radical and extremist ideologies, " she added.

Without naming Pakistan, EAM Sushma slammed the issue of terror emanating from the country. "If we want to save the humanity then we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to the terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps and stop providing funding and shelter to the terror organisations, based in their country, " she added.

She further quoted Quran, the founder Guru of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev and Rig Veda and highlighted that every religion in the world stands for peace, compassion and brotherhood. She said, "Terrorism and extremism" bear different names but in each case is driven by "distortion of religion" adding, "fight against terrorism is not a confrontation against any religion"

She also underscored the long historical ties India has with the members of OIC. From ties with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia which are "important pillars" of India's Act East Policy to countries in the neighbourhood--Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Maldives, from Iran with which India has "Civilisational and cultural links" to Iraq with which India has shared "Triumphs and trials" and countries in further to west like Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria with which India "shared desire for a more inclusive world" External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj talked about the ties will all OIC countries.

She thanked Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh and "others friends" for their strong support for "hearing India’s voice in this forum."

India is the guest of honour at the grouping's meeting, which is a first. The Indian presence is seen as a big diplomatic victory. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last four years.

PAKISTAN BOYCOTTS OIC OVER INDIAN PRESENCE

Meanwhile, Pakistan has officially announced that it will boycott the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi over Indian presence.&nbsp;

Speaking in the Pakistani Parliament, Pak Foreign Minister SM Qureshi said," I have decided, that I will not go to the foreign ministers meet. "

"Our lower level officials will be present to defend Pakistan’s resolution, in sure if someone tries to give India an observer status we can oppose it, " he added.

Islamabad has raised strong objections to OIC on India's presence.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him that UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi.

It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan.

This time Pakistan's plea was not taken into consideration, which many will say shows Islamabad's growing isolation.

Highlighting India's diversity and coexistence while calling on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terrorism, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Friday raised the issue as the main focus at the 46th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Minister meet.

Highlighting India's diversity and coexistence while calling on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terrorism, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Friday raised the issue as the main focus at the 46th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Minister meet. Carrying the "greetings" of 1.3 billion Indians including 185 million Muslim brothers and sisters, EAM said, "Our Muslim brothers and sisters are a microcosm of the diversity of India. They speak Tamil and Telugu, Malayalam and Marathi, Bangla and Bhojpuri or any of the numerous languages of India." "They practice their respective beliefs and live in harmony with each other and with their non-Muslim brethren. It is this appreciation of diversity and co-existence, that has ensured that very few Muslims in India have fallen prey to the poisonous propaganda of radical and extremist ideologies, " she added. Without naming Pakistan, EAM Sushma slammed the issue of terror emanating from the country. "If we want to save the humanity then we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to the terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps and stop providing funding and shelter to the terror organisations, based in their country, " she added. She further quoted Quran, the founder Guru of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev and Rig Veda and highlighted that every religion in the world stands for peace, compassion and brotherhood. She said, "Terrorism and extremism" bear different names but in each case is driven by "distortion of religion" adding, "fight against terrorism is not a confrontation against any religion" She also underscored the long historical ties India has with the members of OIC. From ties with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia which are "important pillars" of India's Act East Policy to countries in the neighbourhood--Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Maldives, from Iran with which India has "Civilisational and cultural links" to Iraq with which India has shared "Triumphs and trials" and countries in further to west like Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria with which India "shared desire for a more inclusive world" External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj talked about the ties will all OIC countries. She thanked Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh and "others friends" for their strong support for "hearing India’s voice in this forum." India is the guest of honour at the grouping's meeting, which is a first. The Indian presence is seen as a big diplomatic victory. India has been engaging with several Arab capitals with a number of high-level visits from West Asia to India and vice versa in the last four years. PAKISTAN BOYCOTTS OIC OVER INDIAN PRESENCE Meanwhile, Pakistan has officially announced that it will boycott the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi over Indian presence. Speaking in the Pakistani Parliament, Pak Foreign Minister SM Qureshi said," I have decided, that I will not go to the foreign ministers meet. " "Our lower level officials will be present to defend Pakistan’s resolution, in sure if someone tries to give India an observer status we can oppose it, " he added. Islamabad has raised strong objections to OIC on India's presence. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Qureshi had written to OIC Secretary-General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen asking him that UAE should rescind invite to India or Islamabad will reconsider its decision to attend the meet in Abu Dhabi. It is important to highlight, way back in 1969 the Indian delegation led by Congress leader Fakrudin Ali Ahmed, who later became the President of India, was not allowed to attend the final session of the OIC in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of Pakistan's then-president, Yahya Khan. This time Pakistan's plea was not taken into consideration, which many will say shows Islamabad's growing isolation.

At OIC, Sushma Swaraj highlights India's diversity, slams Pakistan for its support to terror

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be attending OIC's 46th foreign minister meet as the 'Guest of Honour'. The session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers will take place from March 1 to 2 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai.

India has been invited by UAE's foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said, "We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world".

India also thanked UAE for its invitation saying New Delhi sees the "invitation as the desire of the enlightened leadership of the UAE to go beyond our rapidly growing close bilateral ties" and "forge a true multifaceted partnership at the multilateral and international level". Adding further, New Delhi said, the invitation is a "milestone in our comprehensive strategic partnership with the UAE".

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First time as Guest of Honour! 
 
EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> will attend 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as 'Guest of Honour' to attend the Inaugural Plenary at the invitation of UAE Foreign Minister. 
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Statement from the UAE foreign ministry said, "Will open session next Friday... with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its international political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour".

This is a major development since OIC has not been very pro-India and has been issuing statements on Kashmir over Pakistan's insistence. This also shows New Delhi's 'Look West Policy' which has seen a number of high-level engagements between India and West Asia. This, despite a hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, is something that was criticised since it was seen as a policy that could alienate New Delhi in many Arab capitals.

Interestingly, Fakrudin Ali Ahmed as an Indian representative was not allowed to attend the final session of OIC meet in 1969 in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of the then Pak President Yahya Khan.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be attending OIC's 46th foreign minister meet as the 'Guest of Honour'. The session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers will take place from March 1 to 2 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be attending OIC's 46th foreign minister meet as the 'Guest of Honour'. The session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers will take place from March 1 to 2 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai. India has been invited by UAE's foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement said, "We see this invitation as a welcome recognition of the presence of 185 million Muslims in India and of their contribution to its pluralistic ethos, and of India’s contribution to the Islamic world". India also thanked UAE for its invitation saying New Delhi sees the "invitation as the desire of the enlightened leadership of the UAE to go beyond our rapidly growing close bilateral ties" and "forge a true multifaceted partnership at the multilateral and international level". Adding further, New Delhi said, the invitation is a "milestone in our comprehensive strategic partnership with the UAE". First time as Guest of Honour! EAM @SushmaSwaraj will attend 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as 'Guest of Honour' to attend the Inaugural Plenary at the invitation of UAE Foreign Minister. https://t.co/CgYRBbEfp2 1/2 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 23, 2019 × Statement from the UAE foreign ministry said, "Will open session next Friday... with the participation of 56 member states and 5 observer states, as well as the friendly Republic of India with all its international political weight and diverse cultural heritage and an important Islamic component, as a guest of honour". This is a major development since OIC has not been very pro-India and has been issuing statements on Kashmir over Pakistan's insistence. This also shows New Delhi's 'Look West Policy' which has seen a number of high-level engagements between India and West Asia. This, despite a hyphenation between Israel and Palestine, is something that was criticised since it was seen as a policy that could alienate New Delhi in many Arab capitals. Interestingly, Fakrudin Ali Ahmed as an Indian representative was not allowed to attend the final session of OIC meet in 1969 in Rabat, Morocco at the behest of the then Pak President Yahya Khan.

In a first, India invited at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation session as 'Guest of Honour'

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested the Muslim countries under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to stoutly stand beside the forcibly deported Rohingyas to protect their dignity and security.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 45th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC, she told the members of OIC that there is no scope for the organization to overlook this crisis.

"My appeal to the OIC is to stand solidly beside the forcibly deported Rohingyas in safeguarding their dignity and security. The Holy Prophet's (SAW) message for us was to stand beside the distressed humanity. When the

Rohingya community of Myanmar is being subjected to 'ethnic cleansing,' the OIC fraternity cannot overlook it," Dhaka Tribune quoted Prime Minister Hasina as saying.

The inaugural began at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka.

She appealed the OIC to exert international pressure on Myanmar authorities so that it delivers on the ground and speeds up the repatriation process.

Hasina focused on five points before the OIC Foreign Ministers, saying the Muslim world has no reason to fall behind.

Firstly, to have trust in the basic Islamic faith and stop using religion as a tool for divisive political purposes. Secondly, the OIC members should politically resolve their issues without anyone's intervention. Thirdly, to live an enlightened life of self-awareness. Fourthly, to undertake a fast-track development course in order to eliminate poverty and hunger. And lastly, to get inspired by the eternal values of Islam- peace, moderation and equality.

She asked OIC members to implement its OIC-2025 Program of Action.

Hasina also said that, Muslim identity was mistakenly being equated with that of extremism and violence.

A number of 57 countries, including 52 members of the OIC are participating in the OIC CMF. The 45th session of the CFM will end with a closing session preceded by a brainstorming session focusing on the Humanitarian specially on Rohingyas," on Sunday.

The theme of this year's meeting is "Islamic Values for Sustainable Peace, Solidarity and Development."

This is the second time Bangladesh is hosting the CFM, under a democratic government. It was last conducted in 1983. 
&nbsp

Addressing the inaugural session of the 45th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC, she told the members of OIC that there is no scope for the organization to overlook this crisis

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina requested the Muslim countries under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to stoutly stand beside the forcibly deported Rohingyas to protect their dignity and security. Addressing the inaugural session of the 45th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC, she told the members of OIC that there is no scope for the organization to overlook this crisis. "My appeal to the OIC is to stand solidly beside the forcibly deported Rohingyas in safeguarding their dignity and security. The Holy Prophet's (SAW) message for us was to stand beside the distressed humanity. When the Rohingya community of Myanmar is being subjected to 'ethnic cleansing,' the OIC fraternity cannot overlook it," Dhaka Tribune quoted Prime Minister Hasina as saying. The inaugural began at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka. She appealed the OIC to exert international pressure on Myanmar authorities so that it delivers on the ground and speeds up the repatriation process. Hasina focused on five points before the OIC Foreign Ministers, saying the Muslim world has no reason to fall behind. Firstly, to have trust in the basic Islamic faith and stop using religion as a tool for divisive political purposes. Secondly, the OIC members should politically resolve their issues without anyone's intervention. Thirdly, to live an enlightened life of self-awareness. Fourthly, to undertake a fast-track development course in order to eliminate poverty and hunger. And lastly, to get inspired by the eternal values of Islam- peace, moderation and equality. She asked OIC members to implement its OIC-2025 Program of Action. Hasina also said that, Muslim identity was mistakenly being equated with that of extremism and violence. A number of 57 countries, including 52 members of the OIC are participating in the OIC CMF. The 45th session of the CFM will end with a closing session preceded by a brainstorming session focusing on the Humanitarian specially on Rohingyas," on Sunday. The theme of this year's meeting is "Islamic Values for Sustainable Peace, Solidarity and Development." This is the second time Bangladesh is hosting the CFM, under a democratic government. It was last conducted in 1983.

Bangladesh PM appeals OIC to stand beside Rohingyas

Bangladesh has proposed a restructuring of the charter of the Organisation of Islamic Conference to pave way for inclusion of non-Muslim countries like India as an "observer state".

The OIC is a 57-member grouping of Muslim majority nations.

"A number of countries not OIC members, have large number of Muslims as their citizens . . . There is a need to build bridges with those non-OIC countries," Bangladesh's foreign minister Mahmud Ali said as his counterparts in the group joined in their annual council called Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Dhaka.

He said the induction was needed so that a large number of Muslim population "do not remain untouched by the good work of OIC and "that is why reforms and re-structuring is critical for OIC".

The Muslims may be minority in those countries, but in terms of number they often exceed the total population of many OIC member countries, Ali told the CFM after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the meet yesterday.

Officials and analysts said the proposal was meant mainly for India where Islam is the second largest religion with Muslims constituting some 10 per cent of the global adherents of the faith.

Several OIC states countries and the secretary general of the grouping appreciated the proposal but experts said it could see opposition from Pakistan which had earlier opposed India's induction.

India, however, has fairly robust relations with most OIC member states.&nbsp

The OIC is a 57-member grouping of Muslim majority nations

Bangladesh has proposed a restructuring of the charter of the Organisation of Islamic Conference to pave way for inclusion of non-Muslim countries like India as an "observer state". The OIC is a 57-member grouping of Muslim majority nations. "A number of countries not OIC members, have large number of Muslims as their citizens . . . There is a need to build bridges with those non-OIC countries," Bangladesh's foreign minister Mahmud Ali said as his counterparts in the group joined in their annual council called Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Dhaka. He said the induction was needed so that a large number of Muslim population "do not remain untouched by the good work of OIC and "that is why reforms and re-structuring is critical for OIC". The Muslims may be minority in those countries, but in terms of number they often exceed the total population of many OIC member countries, Ali told the CFM after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the meet yesterday. Officials and analysts said the proposal was meant mainly for India where Islam is the second largest religion with Muslims constituting some 10 per cent of the global adherents of the faith. Several OIC states countries and the secretary general of the grouping appreciated the proposal but experts said it could see opposition from Pakistan which had earlier opposed India's induction. India, however, has fairly robust relations with most OIC member states.

Bangladesh proposes India's induction as OIC observer

India has had an uneasy relationship with&nbsp;the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), but Tunisian foreign minister Khemaies Jhinaoui&rsquo;s latest statement might soon change that.

Unlike other OIC members like Turkey,&nbsp;which advocates multilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir,&nbsp;Tunisia says the issue is best resolved bilaterally.

&ldquo;We would like to see India and Pakistan sit together and amicably&nbsp;solve through negotiation. We don&#39;t like to interfere in the domestic affairs of both countries,&rdquo; Jhinaoui told exclusively to WION.

Tunisia is a member of the 57-nation OIC, so the minister&#39;s statement would&nbsp;come as a shot in the arm for India.

In July, the OIC had adopted a resolution during a foreign ministers&rsquo; meeting in West African city of Abidjan that the unresolved Kashmir issue was posing a threat to the peace and security of the region.

The Indian government&nbsp;had reacted strongly to that resolution.&nbsp;&ldquo;India notes with utmost regret...&nbsp;factually incorrect and misleading references to matters internal to India, including the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India.&nbsp;India out rightly rejects all such references.&nbsp;The OIC has no locus standi on India&rsquo;s internal affairs.&nbsp;We strongly advise the OIC to refrain from making such references in future,&rdquo; the Ministry of External Affiars said in a rejoinder.

Tunisia&#39;s stand is in contrast to Turkey&#39;s. In an interview to WION earlier, Turkey&rsquo;s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had favoured a multilateral dialogue to resolve the&nbsp;Kashmir issue.

He&nbsp;had hinted at mediation by Turkey too.

But&nbsp;India has consistently called for&nbsp;a comprehensive bilateral dialogue with Pakistan, insisting that&nbsp;there is no room for&nbsp;a third-party role. Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that talks and terror cannot go hand in hand.

Jhinaoui, who met Swaraj on Monday, too echoed similar sentiments. &ldquo;We discussed possibility of... together fighting&nbsp;terrorism, which is a common threat to humanity... we&nbsp;decided to have more contacts for exchange of information and to have the right tools to fight terror,&rdquo; Jhinaoui said about the meeting.

He also said Tunisia is proof that&nbsp;Islam is&nbsp;not antithetical to democracy and that should interest&nbsp;Pakistan.

India has had an uneasy relationship with?the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), but Tunisian foreign minister Khemaies Jhinaoui?s latest statement might soon change that.

India has had an uneasy relationship with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), but Tunisian foreign minister Khemaies Jhinaoui’s latest statement might soon change that. Unlike other OIC members like Turkey, which advocates multilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir, Tunisia says the issue is best resolved bilaterally. “We would like to see India and Pakistan sit together and amicably solve through negotiation. We don't like to interfere in the domestic affairs of both countries,” Jhinaoui told exclusively to WION. Tunisia is a member of the 57-nation OIC, so the minister's statement would come as a shot in the arm for India. In July, the OIC had adopted a resolution during a foreign ministers’ meeting in West African city of Abidjan that the unresolved Kashmir issue was posing a threat to the peace and security of the region. The Indian government had reacted strongly to that resolution. “India notes with utmost regret... factually incorrect and misleading references to matters internal to India, including the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India. India out rightly rejects all such references. The OIC has no locus standi on India’s internal affairs. We strongly advise the OIC to refrain from making such references in future,” the Ministry of External Affiars said in a rejoinder. Tunisia's stand is in contrast to Turkey's. In an interview to WION earlier, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had favoured a multilateral dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue. He had hinted at mediation by Turkey too. But India has consistently called for a comprehensive bilateral dialogue with Pakistan, insisting that there is no room for a third-party role. Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that talks and terror cannot go hand in hand. Jhinaoui, who met Swaraj on Monday, too echoed similar sentiments. “We discussed possibility of... together fighting terrorism, which is a common threat to humanity... we decided to have more contacts for exchange of information and to have the right tools to fight terror,” Jhinaoui said about the meeting. He also said Tunisia is proof that Islam is not antithetical to democracy and that should interest Pakistan.

India and Pakistan should amicably solve Kashmir issue: Tunisia

By:&nbsp;Tridivesh Singh Maini &amp; Sandeep Sachdeva*

New Delhi,&nbsp;while consistently expanding strategic and economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and Israel, has also sought to strengthen ties with Tehran, which has tense relations with both. The Nuclear Deal of 2015, signed between Iran and (P5+1) countries opened new vistas for India in Iran, which is strategically located and is India&rsquo;s potential gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia.&nbsp;

During his visit to Iran in 2016, PM Modi signed an agreement, not just committing financial assistance&nbsp;to the tune of 500 Million USD for phase 1 of the development of the Chabahar Project, but also a three nation agreement with Iran and Afghanistan&nbsp;for establishing a land, transit and trade corridor. India will build a <a href="http://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/tridivesh-en/33618/">500-km rail line</a> from Chabahar port from the southern coast of Iran to Zahedan, close to the Afghan border, at a cost of $1.6 billion as part of the transit corridor to Afghanistan. &quot;It will open new routes for India, Iran, and Afghanistan to connect among themselves,&quot; said PM Modi with regard to the corridor.

India&rsquo;s main aim was to get access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Pakistan has continuously opposed India&rsquo;s entry into the <a href="http://russiancouncil.ru/en/blogs/tridivesh-en/33618/">APTTA</a>&nbsp;(Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement), even though Afghanistan has been in favour of India joining the agreement. APTTA is a transit trade agreement as it is quite evident from its name. Currently, Afghan goods can come into India, but trucks stop at Wagah (Pakistani side of the border). India, however, has been deprived of land access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

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<h5>Given India&rsquo;s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump&rsquo;s unpredictability.</h5>
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There have been some hitches with regard to the Chabahar project kicking off by 2018. The <a href="https://www.google.co.in/amp/www.firstpost.com/india/chabahar-port-why-future-of-india-iran-project-hinges-on-outcome-of-narendra-modi-donald-trump-meet-3722647.html/amp">companies which are to develop customised equipment jetties and container terminals</a> were not willing to take part in the bidding process. The banks were not ready to facilitate the financial transactions involving Iran due to the uncertain policies of Trump administration towards&nbsp;Iran. Apart from this, there was a delay in <a href="http://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/iran-india-trade-charges-on-delay-of-chabahar-port/articleshow/56990454.cms">loan disbursement of $ 150 million</a>&nbsp;with India and Iran blaming each other for the delay. Transport minister, Nitin Gadkari who attended Iranian President Rouhani&rsquo;s swearing in on August 5, 2017, categorically stated:

&quot;India and Iran have been historically sharing special ties. We are keen on developing Chabahar Port and are hopeful of starting operations in 12 to 18 months.&quot;

US-Iran ties

India, however, needs to carefully observe Trump&rsquo;s warnings to Iran on the nuclear deal. Iran has categorically stated, that it will quit the Nuclear Deal if more sanctions are imposed. Rouhani&#39;s exact words were:&nbsp;&quot;Iran could quit the nuclear deal within hours if the US imposes more sanctions.&quot;

Even though Iran has followed the conditions of the deal, Trump has threatened about imposing sanctions. The Secretary of State Rex Tillerson,&nbsp;however, has made it clear on umpteen occasions, that the US will not scrap the deal. Interestingly, Tillerson has also stated, that he and the US President have differences over the deal. Whereas President Trump is in favour of calling off the deal and imposing new sanctions, secretary of state <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-tillerson-iran-idUSKBN1AH5E7">Tillerson </a>subscribes to the view, that America should not strike the deal rather engage with Iran to bring stability in the neighbourhood, especially in Iraq and Syria by holding it accountable.&nbsp;

Given India&rsquo;s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump&rsquo;s unpredictability. 
&nbsp; 
Iran-Pakistan ties&nbsp;

New Delhi should also observe carefully Iran&rsquo;s support for Pakistan, particularly after Trump&rsquo;s speech on August 21 where he warned Pakistan to take more concrete action against terror groups operating on Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Iran came to the defence of Pakistan, with foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi saying:

&quot;What presently the US is highlighting to condemn other countries with is the result of years of wrong and inappropriate policies of Americans in the countries of the region, especially Afghanistan.&rdquo;

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<h5>Iran already has strong economic ties with China, moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India.</h5>
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Iran already has strong economic ties with China, and it moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India. New Delhi has been trying to jointly work with both Afghanistan and Iran much to the chagrin of the Pakistan army.&nbsp;

Significantly, in May 2017, Iran had taken a tough stance against certain terror groups operating from Pakistan, warning that it would hit the bases of Sunni militant groups operating in Pakistan. In April 2017, Ten Iranian border guards had been killed by militants and Iran blamed Sunni groups operating from Pakistan. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-pakistan-security-idUSKBN1840SY">Major General Mohammad Baqeri</a>, head of the Iranian armed forces had said, &ldquo;If the terrorist attacks continue, we will hit their safe havens and cells, wherever they are.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Middle East

New Delhi should also be watching the gradual softening of Iran towards Saudi Arabia and Turkey. On the sidelines of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul earlier this month, the <a href="#vgi=11831571547160704589&amp;amp=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.al-monitor.com%252Fpulse%252Fen%252Foriginals%252F2017%252F08%252Firan-zarif-jubeir-saudi-fm-handshake-istanbul-shamkhani-deal.amp.html&amp;ampidx=0&amp;ampct=1504066232985">foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia</a> met and exchanged greetings. Earlier this month Iranian chief of staff of the armed forces, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-iran-military-idUSKCN1AW1PT">Major-General Mohammad Baqeri</a> paid a visit to Turkey to explore possible synergies in counter-terrorism and the Syrian conflict. This is a clear indication of a significant improvement in bilateral ties. It has also been reported, that their high-level officials are likely to meet again.&nbsp;

While New Delhi has strong ties with both, and this has been a challenge in the past, the tensions were also to the benefit of India. Due to tensions between Iran and GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, New Delhi could also pressurise both sides to urge Pakistan to take action against terror groups. Apart from strengthening of India-US ties, Saudi Arabia has been apprehensive about India getting too close to Iran. This has resulted in Riyadh not just adopting a more nuanced stand on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and extraditing terrorists, but also strengthening security cooperation with India.&nbsp;

While currently, India is bogged down with numerous domestic challenges, and other foreign policy priorities, especially with China,&nbsp;a close watch should be kept on Iran&rsquo;s next moves not just in the context of its deal with the US, but also on&nbsp;its ties with Pakistan and GCC countries.&nbsp;

*Sandeep Sachdeva is an Independent Policy Analyst associated with The Jindal School of International Affairs, Sonipat.

Iran already has strong economic ties with China, and it moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India.

By: Tridivesh Singh Maini & Sandeep Sachdeva* New Delhi, while consistently expanding strategic and economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) and Israel, has also sought to strengthen ties with Tehran, which has tense relations with both. The Nuclear Deal of 2015, signed between Iran and (P5+1) countries opened new vistas for India in Iran, which is strategically located and is India’s potential gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia. During his visit to Iran in 2016, PM Modi signed an agreement, not just committing financial assistance to the tune of 500 Million USD for phase 1 of the development of the Chabahar Project, but also a three nation agreement with Iran and Afghanistan for establishing a land, transit and trade corridor. India will build a 500-km rail line from Chabahar port from the southern coast of Iran to Zahedan, close to the Afghan border, at a cost of $1.6 billion as part of the transit corridor to Afghanistan. "It will open new routes for India, Iran, and Afghanistan to connect among themselves," said PM Modi with regard to the corridor. India’s main aim was to get access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Pakistan has continuously opposed India’s entry into the APTTA (Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement), even though Afghanistan has been in favour of India joining the agreement. APTTA is a transit trade agreement as it is quite evident from its name. Currently, Afghan goods can come into India, but trucks stop at Wagah (Pakistani side of the border). India, however, has been deprived of land access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Given India’s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump’s unpredictability. × There have been some hitches with regard to the Chabahar project kicking off by 2018. The companies which are to develop customised equipment jetties and container terminals were not willing to take part in the bidding process. The banks were not ready to facilitate the financial transactions involving Iran due to the uncertain policies of Trump administration towards Iran. Apart from this, there was a delay in loan disbursement of $ 150 million with India and Iran blaming each other for the delay. Transport minister, Nitin Gadkari who attended Iranian President Rouhani’s swearing in on August 5, 2017, categorically stated: "India and Iran have been historically sharing special ties. We are keen on developing Chabahar Port and are hopeful of starting operations in 12 to 18 months." US-Iran ties India, however, needs to carefully observe Trump’s warnings to Iran on the nuclear deal. Iran has categorically stated, that it will quit the Nuclear Deal if more sanctions are imposed. Rouhani's exact words were: "Iran could quit the nuclear deal within hours if the US imposes more sanctions." Even though Iran has followed the conditions of the deal, Trump has threatened about imposing sanctions. The Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, however, has made it clear on umpteen occasions, that the US will not scrap the deal. Interestingly, Tillerson has also stated, that he and the US President have differences over the deal. Whereas President Trump is in favour of calling off the deal and imposing new sanctions, secretary of state Tillerson subscribes to the view, that America should not strike the deal rather engage with Iran to bring stability in the neighbourhood, especially in Iraq and Syria by holding it accountable. Given India’s increasingly close ties with the US, and importance of Iran in the context of connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, striking a balance may be a challenge given Trump’s unpredictability. Iran-Pakistan ties New Delhi should also observe carefully Iran’s support for Pakistan, particularly after Trump’s speech on August 21 where he warned Pakistan to take more concrete action against terror groups operating on Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Iran came to the defence of Pakistan, with foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi saying: "What presently the US is highlighting to condemn other countries with is the result of years of wrong and inappropriate policies of Americans in the countries of the region, especially Afghanistan.” Iran already has strong economic ties with China, moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India. × Iran already has strong economic ties with China, and it moving closer to Pakistan would not be good news for India. New Delhi has been trying to jointly work with both Afghanistan and Iran much to the chagrin of the Pakistan army. Significantly, in May 2017, Iran had taken a tough stance against certain terror groups operating from Pakistan, warning that it would hit the bases of Sunni militant groups operating in Pakistan. In April 2017, Ten Iranian border guards had been killed by militants and Iran blamed Sunni groups operating from Pakistan. Major General Mohammad Baqeri, head of the Iranian armed forces had said, “If the terrorist attacks continue, we will hit their safe havens and cells, wherever they are.” Middle East New Delhi should also be watching the gradual softening of Iran towards Saudi Arabia and Turkey. On the sidelines of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul earlier this month, the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia met and exchanged greetings. Earlier this month Iranian chief of staff of the armed forces, Major-General Mohammad Baqeri paid a visit to Turkey to explore possible synergies in counter-terrorism and the Syrian conflict. This is a clear indication of a significant improvement in bilateral ties. It has also been reported, that their high-level officials are likely to meet again. While New Delhi has strong ties with both, and this has been a challenge in the past, the tensions were also to the benefit of India. Due to tensions between Iran and GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, New Delhi could also pressurise both sides to urge Pakistan to take action against terror groups. Apart from strengthening of India-US ties, Saudi Arabia has been apprehensive about India getting too close to Iran. This has resulted in Riyadh not just adopting a more nuanced stand on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and extraditing terrorists, but also strengthening security cooperation with India. While currently, India is bogged down with numerous domestic challenges, and other foreign policy priorities, especially with China, a close watch should be kept on Iran’s next moves not just in the context of its deal with the US, but also on its ties with Pakistan and GCC countries. *Sandeep Sachdeva is an Independent Policy Analyst associated with The Jindal School of International Affairs, Sonipat.

India should be careful about Iran's softening of stance towards Pakistan and China

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking exclusively to WION correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran on the Kashmir dispute involving India and Pakistan said he was &quot;deeply saddened&quot; and &quot;upset&quot; over the issue which has divided people in the Indian sub-continent.&nbsp;

The President declared that he wanted to see &quot;an open channel for dialogue to bring India and Pakistan together which can be put into place by the Indian PM and Pak PM to solve&nbsp;the dispute forever&quot;.

&quot;For the last seven decades, this question has not been settled. And I believe doing so will provide relief to both&nbsp;countries,&quot; Erdogan said.

Calling for an early resolution of the Kashmir issue, the Turkish President said that&nbsp;&quot;extending conflicts, extending questions and carrying these questions to the future will be unfair to the future generations&quot;.

On Turkey being a member of Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), which has been&nbsp;critical of India on the issue of Kashmir, Erdogan said, &quot;Pakistan consists of 100% Muslims and there is a very large Muslim population inside India. And as the OIC, we would never act against India, we would never release statements against India. This is not what we are running after. All we want to see is open the channel for dialogue in order to bring India and Pakistan closer to one another, in order to hopefully settle the dispute on Kashmir once and for all.&quot;

&quot;I have heard PM Nawaz Sharif personally speaking about his will to settle this question with me once and for&nbsp;all. So if we keep the dialogue channels open, we can settle this question,&quot; he told WION.

The president hoped to strengthen &quot;multilateral dialogue&quot;&nbsp;to find a way forward to solve the contentious border issue.

The president also said that his country &quot;can be involved&quot; in the process, if required.

Catch&nbsp;the complete interview&nbsp;with&nbsp;Turkey&#39;s President&nbsp;Recep Tayyip Erdogan on WION Live TV at 8 pm (IST) Monday.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fZTiCEJ8eCU" width="560"></iframe>

(WION)

On Kashmir, Erdogan said that surmounting the Kashmir issue will contribute to global peace as the Kashmir question has lingered for seven decades

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking exclusively to WION correspondent Ramesh Ramachandran on the Kashmir dispute involving India and Pakistan said he was "deeply saddened" and "upset" over the issue which has divided people in the Indian sub-continent. The President declared that he wanted to see "an open channel for dialogue to bring India and Pakistan together which can be put into place by the Indian PM and Pak PM to solve the dispute forever". "For the last seven decades, this question has not been settled. And I believe doing so will provide relief to both countries," Erdogan said. Calling for an early resolution of the Kashmir issue, the Turkish President said that "extending conflicts, extending questions and carrying these questions to the future will be unfair to the future generations". On Turkey being a member of Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), which has been critical of India on the issue of Kashmir, Erdogan said, "Pakistan consists of 100% Muslims and there is a very large Muslim population inside India. And as the OIC, we would never act against India, we would never release statements against India. This is not what we are running after. All we want to see is open the channel for dialogue in order to bring India and Pakistan closer to one another, in order to hopefully settle the dispute on Kashmir once and for all." "I have heard PM Nawaz Sharif personally speaking about his will to settle this question with me once and for all. So if we keep the dialogue channels open, we can settle this question," he told WION. The president hoped to strengthen "multilateral dialogue" to find a way forward to solve the contentious border issue. The president also said that his country "can be involved" in the process, if required. Catch the complete interview with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on WION Live TV at 8 pm (IST) Monday. (WION)

WION EXCLUSIVE: India, Pak should keep open channel for dialogue to solve the Kashmir issue, says President  Erdogan

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Tuesday called on India to&nbsp;immediately cease &ldquo;atrocities&rdquo; in Kashmir and settle the issue peacefully&nbsp;according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people and the United Nations Security&nbsp;Council (UNSC) resolutions. 
 
OIC secretary general Iyad Ameen Madani, at a meeting on the sidelines of the&nbsp;United Nations General Assembly yesterday, reaffirmed the group&rsquo;s &ldquo;resolve to&nbsp;remain the voice of the Kashmiris&rsquo; at the international stage&rdquo;. 
 
Adviser to the prime minister on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz in a meeting&nbsp;addressing the OIC contact group on Kashmir mentioned the killing of Hizbul&nbsp;Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani by India&rsquo;s security forces, saying that such&nbsp;measure cannot break the spirit of the Kashmiris. 
 
&quot;Underscoring that the Kashmir dispute remains central to lasting peace and&nbsp;stability in South Asia, the adviser regretted that India had failed to reciprocate&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s proposal of meaningful engagement for the resolution of the Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir dispute,&quot; PTI reported from a statement by the OIC contact group. 
 
Azad Jammu and Kashmir president Masood Khan gave a detailed overview of&nbsp;&lsquo;violations of human rights and international humanitarian law&rsquo; being carried&nbsp;out by Indian forces in Kashmir and representatives of the Kashmiri people&nbsp;briefed the meeting about &lsquo;continued Indian brutalities&rsquo; in the region. 
 
Foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Turkey expressed concern over the situation&nbsp;in Kashmir and emphasised the urgency of resolving the dispute. 
 
The representative of the government of Niger said that the international&nbsp;community could not remain indifferent in the wake of grave human rights&nbsp;violations, and urged the OIC to find means to resolve the conflict. 
 
The conclusions of the meeting will be submitted for appropriate action to the&nbsp;council of foreign ministers of the OIC. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

The group has urged India to settle the issue peacefully?according to wishes of the Kashmiri people and UNSC resolutions

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Tuesday called on India to immediately cease “atrocities” in Kashmir and settle the issue peacefully according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. OIC secretary general Iyad Ameen Madani, at a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly yesterday, reaffirmed the group’s “resolve to remain the voice of the Kashmiris’ at the international stage”. Adviser to the prime minister on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz in a meeting addressing the OIC contact group on Kashmir mentioned the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani by India’s security forces, saying that such measure cannot break the spirit of the Kashmiris. "Underscoring that the Kashmir dispute remains central to lasting peace and stability in South Asia, the adviser regretted that India had failed to reciprocate Pakistan’s proposal of meaningful engagement for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," PTI reported from a statement by the OIC contact group. Azad Jammu and Kashmir president Masood Khan gave a detailed overview of ‘violations of human rights and international humanitarian law’ being carried out by Indian forces in Kashmir and representatives of the Kashmiri people briefed the meeting about ‘continued Indian brutalities’ in the region. Foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Turkey expressed concern over the situation in Kashmir and emphasised the urgency of resolving the dispute. The representative of the government of Niger said that the international community could not remain indifferent in the wake of grave human rights violations, and urged the OIC to find means to resolve the conflict. The conclusions of the meeting will be submitted for appropriate action to the council of foreign ministers of the OIC. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation asks India to cease 'atrocities' in Kashmir

Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan, today hoped that the Kashmir issue would be resolved through dialogue, while backing Islamabad&#39;s stance to send an Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) team to the Valley to probe the alleged human rights violations. 
 
&quot;Turkey fully supports Pakistan&#39;s position on Jammu and Kashmir,&quot; Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference here with Pakistan prime minister&#39;s advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz. 
 
Cavusoglu said Turkey is an active member of the OIC contact group of Kashmir and attends its meeting. Hopefully its next meeting would be held in September, he said. 
 
&quot;I would like to ask the secretary general of the OIC to mobilise the contact group and send an observer mission. We believe this issue (Kashmir) can be solved through dialogue,&quot; he said. 
 
Pakistan has raised the Kashmir issue at the UN, and demanded sending a fact finding team to the valley to probe the alleged human rights violations there.&nbsp;Forty-nine people have been killed in Kashmir in clashes since security forces killed Hizbul commander Burhan Wani on July 8. 
 
Cavusoglu, who is in Pakistan on an important visit after a failed military coup, thanked Islamabad for being the first country to denounce the coup attempt.&nbsp;He said Turkey was taking steps against those involved in the coup staged by supporters of US-based influential Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen. 
 
He said Gulen&#39;s organisations pose a risk or threat to the security and stability of every country. 
 
&quot;This terrorist organisation has a global network of schools, business associations and cultural organisations. In the past, we supported them but we didn&#39;t know they had a hidden agenda, that they were trying to take over power in Turkey through such attempts,&quot; he said. 
 
He said that Pakistan and Turkey supported each other against terrorism.&nbsp;On his part, Aziz pledged Pakistan&#39;s unequivocal support for a democratic, peaceful and stable Turkey under the dynamic leadership of President Tayyip Erdogan. 
 
He noted with satisfaction that both sides have agreed to continue to tackle the menace of terrorism and defeat the scourge. The two sides also exchanged views on situation in Afghanistan and the need for a lasting political solution. 
 
Aziz said the two countries share similar views on the migration crisis and the plight of Syrian refugees. He said Pakistan and Turkey host the largest refugee population in the world. 
 
(PTI)

Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu extended his support in a press conference in Islamabad

Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan, today hoped that the Kashmir issue would be resolved through dialogue, while backing Islamabad's stance to send an Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) team to the Valley to probe the alleged human rights violations. "Turkey fully supports Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir," Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference here with Pakistan prime minister's advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz. Cavusoglu said Turkey is an active member of the OIC contact group of Kashmir and attends its meeting. Hopefully its next meeting would be held in September, he said. "I would like to ask the secretary general of the OIC to mobilise the contact group and send an observer mission. We believe this issue (Kashmir) can be solved through dialogue," he said. Pakistan has raised the Kashmir issue at the UN, and demanded sending a fact finding team to the valley to probe the alleged human rights violations there. Forty-nine people have been killed in Kashmir in clashes since security forces killed Hizbul commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Cavusoglu, who is in Pakistan on an important visit after a failed military coup, thanked Islamabad for being the first country to denounce the coup attempt. He said Turkey was taking steps against those involved in the coup staged by supporters of US-based influential Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen. He said Gulen's organisations pose a risk or threat to the security and stability of every country. "This terrorist organisation has a global network of schools, business associations and cultural organisations. In the past, we supported them but we didn't know they had a hidden agenda, that they were trying to take over power in Turkey through such attempts," he said. He said that Pakistan and Turkey supported each other against terrorism. On his part, Aziz pledged Pakistan's unequivocal support for a democratic, peaceful and stable Turkey under the dynamic leadership of President Tayyip Erdogan. He noted with satisfaction that both sides have agreed to continue to tackle the menace of terrorism and defeat the scourge. The two sides also exchanged views on situation in Afghanistan and the need for a lasting political solution. Aziz said the two countries share similar views on the migration crisis and the plight of Syrian refugees. He said Pakistan and Turkey host the largest refugee population in the world. (PTI)

Turkey backs Pakistan's stand on Jammu and Kashmir

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation&#39;s (IOC) Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) has raised its concern over the recent violence in Kashmir which has resulted in the killing of more than 30 Kashmiris and has left more than 1,400 people injured. 
 
The IPHRC said in a statement that &quot;incidents of human rights violations in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has mostly been at the hands of the Indian military and paramilitary forces&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
Kashmir has been on the boil ever since security forces gunned down Burhan Wani, a militant commander of the separatist Hizbul Mujahideen outfit, on July 8.&nbsp;Post Wani&#39;s death, the Valley has been rocked by violent protests.&nbsp; 
 
The IPHRC condemned the use by security personnel of excessive force to restrain peacefully protesting civilans and said it was &#39;&#39;deplorable and a blatant violation of the right to life, right to freedom of expression and opinion, right to peaceful protest and assembly and other fundamental human rights.&#39;&#39; 
 
It also called for an independent and transparent inquiry into the deaths, and said the individuals responsible should be held accountable.&nbsp; 
 
A spokesperson for India&#39;s ministry of external affairs responded by saying the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation &quot;had no locus standi here&quot; and that India &quot;needed no gratuitous advice&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
WION and Agencies&nbsp; 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

India's foreign ministry responds saying OIC has no locus standi and that the country does not need 'gratuitous advice'

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's (IOC) Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) has raised its concern over the recent violence in Kashmir which has resulted in the killing of more than 30 Kashmiris and has left more than 1,400 people injured. The IPHRC said in a statement that "incidents of human rights violations in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has mostly been at the hands of the Indian military and paramilitary forces". Kashmir has been on the boil ever since security forces gunned down Burhan Wani, a militant commander of the separatist Hizbul Mujahideen outfit, on July 8. Post Wani's death, the Valley has been rocked by violent protests. The IPHRC condemned the use by security personnel of excessive force to restrain peacefully protesting civilans and said it was ''deplorable and a blatant violation of the right to life, right to freedom of expression and opinion, right to peaceful protest and assembly and other fundamental human rights.'' It also called for an independent and transparent inquiry into the deaths, and said the individuals responsible should be held accountable. A spokesperson for India's ministry of external affairs responded by saying the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation "had no locus standi here" and that India "needed no gratuitous advice". WION and Agencies

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation calls for independent inquiry into Kashmir deaths

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