India rebukes OIC at UN, questions its role in Kashmir debate

India’s permanent representative to the United Nations, P. Harish, warned that inter‑regional organisations such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) lack the territorial knowledge and subject‑matter expertise required to intervene in disputes. He argued that “such groups do not have the necessary regional information and expertise to resolve conflicts” and should not meddle in issues like Kashmir.

Harish’s criticism came during an open debate on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes, where Pakistan’s UN envoy also raised the Kashmir issue. The OIC, a 57‑member body focused on religious solidarity, has repeatedly highlighted the Kashmir question and expressed support for the self‑determination of the region’s people, but India contended that its mandate does not include direct security or peace‑keeping responsibilities.