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

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.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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 raised the issue of terrorism at the&nbsp;Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)&nbsp;gathering on Friday amid Indo-Pak tensions following the Pulwama terror attack.

"Terrorism is destroying lives, destabilising regions and putting the world at great peril. Terror reach is growing and the toll it is taking is increasing," Swaraj said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Terrorism in each case is driven by distortion of religion. Fight against terror is not a confrontation against any religion. Just as Islam means peace, none of the 99 names of Allah mean violence. Similarly every religion stands for peace," she added while addressing the IOC as a guest of honour.

The Pakistan's chair was empty as Swaraj delivered her address at the inauguration of the two-day meeting.

It is for the first time that India has been invited to a meeting of the OIC, an influential grouping of 57 Islamic countries, as the guest of honour.&nbsp;

India's engagement with the OIC comes in the midst of escalating tension between India and Pakistan. The ties strained further after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. Pakistan carried out a retaliatory aerial raid on Wednesday.

Pakistan, a member of the OIC, tried to get Swaraj 'disinvited' from the Abu Dhabi meet following India's air strike on the terror camp in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he will not attend the meeting over the grouping's failure to rescind invitation to Swaraj.&nbsp;

The OIC had disinvited India from its conference in 1969 in Morocco at Pakistan's behest. The OIC has usually been supportive of Pakistan and often sided with Islamabad on the Kashmir issue.

(With PTI inputs)

External Affairs Minister raised the issue of terrorism at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathering on Friday amid Indo-Pak tensions following the Pulwama terror attack.

External Affairs Minister raised the issue of terrorism at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathering on Friday amid Indo-Pak tensions following the Pulwama terror attack. "Terrorism is destroying lives, destabilising regions and putting the world at great peril. Terror reach is growing and the toll it is taking is increasing," Swaraj said. "Terrorism in each case is driven by distortion of religion. Fight against terror is not a confrontation against any religion. Just as Islam means peace, none of the 99 names of Allah mean violence. Similarly every religion stands for peace," she added while addressing the IOC as a guest of honour. The Pakistan's chair was empty as Swaraj delivered her address at the inauguration of the two-day meeting. It is for the first time that India has been invited to a meeting of the OIC, an influential grouping of 57 Islamic countries, as the guest of honour. India's engagement with the OIC comes in the midst of escalating tension between India and Pakistan. The ties strained further after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. Pakistan carried out a retaliatory aerial raid on Wednesday. Pakistan, a member of the OIC, tried to get Swaraj 'disinvited' from the Abu Dhabi meet following India's air strike on the terror camp in Pakistan. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he will not attend the meeting over the grouping's failure to rescind invitation to Swaraj. The OIC had disinvited India from its conference in 1969 in Morocco at Pakistan's behest. The OIC has usually been supportive of Pakistan and often sided with Islamabad on the Kashmir issue. (With PTI inputs)

Terrorism destroying lives, destabilising regions and putting world at great peril: Sushma Swaraj at OIC

Turkey and Britain voiced concern on Monday at China's alleged mistreatment of Uighurs and other Muslims in its Xinjiang region, with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu calling on Beijing to protect freedom of religion and cultural identity.

The issue came up as UN Human Rights Council opened its main annual session. Diplomats and activists say China has lobbied hard to avoid scrutiny over its policies in Xinjiang and other rights issues at the four-week meeting.

Western countries are looking to Turkey and other members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to spotlight what rights groups call internment camps in Xinjiang, a remote western region of China. China says they are re-education and training facilities that have been highly successful in stopping attacks previously blamed on Islamist militants and separatists.

Britain was the only country joining Turkey in raising the issue at Monday's session, where Lord Ahmad, minister of state at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said: "We are deeply concerned about the persecution of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang".

UN experts and activists say the camps hold a million Uighurs, who speak a Turkic language, and other Muslims. China has denied accusations of mistreatment and deems criticism within the UN council to be interference in its sovereignty.

Cavuslogu did not specifically mention mass detention camps but he told the Geneva forum that reports of human rights violations against Uighurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang were serious cause for concern.

A distinction should be made between "terrorists and innocent people", Cavusoglu added.

He then inserted a line into his prepared remarks, adding: "And I have to underline that we support the One China policy".

He was referring to China's stance that the country encompasses Taiwan and autonomous regions including Xinjiang and Tibet.

"We encourage Chinese authorities and expect that universal human rights, including freedom of religion, are respected and full protection of the cultural identities of the Uighurs and other Muslims is ensured," Cavusoglu said.

China, a member of the 47-member Human Rights Council, did not immediately respond to his remarks, but delegations will be free to reply to allegations later in the session.

China's counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation efforts in Xinjiang should be applauded for creating a new method of tackling the problem, a senior Chinese diplomat told foreign envoys last week.

Turkey and Britain voiced concern on Monday at China's alleged mistreatment of Uighurs and other Muslims in its Xinjiang region, with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu calling on Beijing to protect freedom of religion and cultural identity.

Turkey and Britain voiced concern on Monday at China's alleged mistreatment of Uighurs and other Muslims in its Xinjiang region, with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu calling on Beijing to protect freedom of religion and cultural identity. The issue came up as UN Human Rights Council opened its main annual session. Diplomats and activists say China has lobbied hard to avoid scrutiny over its policies in Xinjiang and other rights issues at the four-week meeting. Western countries are looking to Turkey and other members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to spotlight what rights groups call internment camps in Xinjiang, a remote western region of China. China says they are re-education and training facilities that have been highly successful in stopping attacks previously blamed on Islamist militants and separatists. Britain was the only country joining Turkey in raising the issue at Monday's session, where Lord Ahmad, minister of state at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, said: "We are deeply concerned about the persecution of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang". UN experts and activists say the camps hold a million Uighurs, who speak a Turkic language, and other Muslims. China has denied accusations of mistreatment and deems criticism within the UN council to be interference in its sovereignty. Cavuslogu did not specifically mention mass detention camps but he told the Geneva forum that reports of human rights violations against Uighurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang were serious cause for concern. A distinction should be made between "terrorists and innocent people", Cavusoglu added. He then inserted a line into his prepared remarks, adding: "And I have to underline that we support the One China policy". He was referring to China's stance that the country encompasses Taiwan and autonomous regions including Xinjiang and Tibet. "We encourage Chinese authorities and expect that universal human rights, including freedom of religion, are respected and full protection of the cultural identities of the Uighurs and other Muslims is ensured," Cavusoglu said. China, a member of the 47-member Human Rights Council, did not immediately respond to his remarks, but delegations will be free to reply to allegations later in the session. China's counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation efforts in Xinjiang should be applauded for creating a new method of tackling the problem, a senior Chinese diplomat told foreign envoys last week.

Turkey, Britain raise China's treatment of Uighurs at UN rights forum

Gravitas: India to attend Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meet

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".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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. 
<a href="https://t.co/CgYRBbEfp2">https://t.co/CgYRBbEfp2</a> 1/2
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1099215814064930818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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'

China is lobbying hard to thwart scrutiny of its mass detention camps for Muslim Uighurs in the Xinjiang region at the UN Human Rights Council's main annual session opening on Monday, diplomats and activists said.

Saudi Arabia will face criticism for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and its failure to cooperate with a UN-led inquiry, diplomatic sources said.

And ambassadors from some European countries plan to boycott a speech by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza on Tuesday, as more countries back opposition leader Juan Guaido and spurn President Nicolas Maduro, they add.

Western countries look to Turkey and other members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to shine a spotlight on what China calls re-education and training facilities. UN experts say the camps hold a million Uighurs, who speak a Turkic language, and other Muslims. China has rejected accusations of mistreatment.

While the 47-member Council's resolutions are not binding, all countries work hard to avoid its "naming and shaming". China is especially sensitive to criticism, which it views as interference.

Turkey, whose foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is due to address the Geneva forum on Monday, urged China this month to close its camps, calling them a "great shame for humanity".

"It's up to the OIC. If they don't take the lead, it's very hard for other countries," one Asian ambassador told Reuters.

Activists have urged European and Muslim nations to take the lead in establishing a UN investigation into the detentions and what they call "forced indoctrination".

John Fisher of Human Rights Watch said, "We are encouraged that everybody we speak with shares the concern at China’s sweeping violations in Xinjiang, and agrees that China must be held to the same standard as everyone else, that there is a need for collective action, and that the time to act is now."

But diplomatic sources said that there was no sign that any country would present a resolution on China, although delegations were preparing to raise the issue in statements.

Meanwhile, China has failed to block Tibetan and Uighur activists from taking part in the four-week session.

A letter from China's mission in Geneva, seen by Reuters, urges the United Nations not to allow 15 activists - including the Dalai Lama and Dolkun Isa, president of the exiled World Uighur Congress - to attend. The request was rejected, UN sources said.

China is also organising a photo exhibit at the UN in Geneva with some 90 photos, many of smiling Uighurs, they add.

UN rights investigators on Iran, Myanmar and North Korea are to present annual reports. Their mandates are expected to be renewed, despite the United States having quit the forum last year over a perceived anti-Israel bias, diplomats said.

A UN report on Israel's use of force against Palestinian protestors in Gaza last year is to be issued, while a UN report on a database of companies active in the Gaza Strip may be delayed again, they said.

China is lobbying hard to thwart scrutiny of its mass detention camps for Muslim Uighurs in the Xinjiang region at the UN Human Rights Council's main annual session opening on Monday, diplomats and activists said.

China is lobbying hard to thwart scrutiny of its mass detention camps for Muslim Uighurs in the Xinjiang region at the UN Human Rights Council's main annual session opening on Monday, diplomats and activists said. Saudi Arabia will face criticism for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and its failure to cooperate with a UN-led inquiry, diplomatic sources said. And ambassadors from some European countries plan to boycott a speech by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza on Tuesday, as more countries back opposition leader Juan Guaido and spurn President Nicolas Maduro, they add. Western countries look to Turkey and other members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to shine a spotlight on what China calls re-education and training facilities. UN experts say the camps hold a million Uighurs, who speak a Turkic language, and other Muslims. China has rejected accusations of mistreatment. While the 47-member Council's resolutions are not binding, all countries work hard to avoid its "naming and shaming". China is especially sensitive to criticism, which it views as interference. Turkey, whose foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is due to address the Geneva forum on Monday, urged China this month to close its camps, calling them a "great shame for humanity". "It's up to the OIC. If they don't take the lead, it's very hard for other countries," one Asian ambassador told Reuters. Activists have urged European and Muslim nations to take the lead in establishing a UN investigation into the detentions and what they call "forced indoctrination". John Fisher of Human Rights Watch said, "We are encouraged that everybody we speak with shares the concern at China’s sweeping violations in Xinjiang, and agrees that China must be held to the same standard as everyone else, that there is a need for collective action, and that the time to act is now." But diplomatic sources said that there was no sign that any country would present a resolution on China, although delegations were preparing to raise the issue in statements. Meanwhile, China has failed to block Tibetan and Uighur activists from taking part in the four-week session. A letter from China's mission in Geneva, seen by Reuters, urges the United Nations not to allow 15 activists - including the Dalai Lama and Dolkun Isa, president of the exiled World Uighur Congress - to attend. The request was rejected, UN sources said. China is also organising a photo exhibit at the UN in Geneva with some 90 photos, many of smiling Uighurs, they add. UN rights investigators on Iran, Myanmar and North Korea are to present annual reports. Their mandates are expected to be renewed, despite the United States having quit the forum last year over a perceived anti-Israel bias, diplomats said. A UN report on Israel's use of force against Palestinian protestors in Gaza last year is to be issued, while a UN report on a database of companies active in the Gaza Strip may be delayed again, they said.

China, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela in hot seat at UN rights forum

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

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