The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the world’s second-largest multilateral body after the UN, has come under fire from India for its alleged “communal mindset” and “anti-India” agenda. This reaction was in response to the OIC secretariat’s statement accusing India of targeting the Muslim community during Ram Navami processions in several Indian states.
About the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation was established in September 1969 by the First Islamic Summit Conference held in Morocco. Initially known as the Organisation of Islamic Conference, it was renamed the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 2011. The organisation’s objective is to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world by promoting international peace and harmony among various people worldwide. As of now, the OIC has 57 members, all of which are Islamic countries or Muslim-majority members. Five countries – The Central African Republic, Russia, Thailand, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and the unrecognized Turkish Cypriot “state” – have observer status.
India’s Relationship with the OIC
India, which has the world’s second-largest Muslim community, was invited to the founding conference in Rabat in 1969. However, Pakistan’s opposition led to India being humiliatingly rejected. In 2006, as India turned the economic corner and improved ties with the US, Saudi Arabia invited Delhi to join as an observer. However, India refused to join, citing that it did not want to join an organisation founded on religion. Furthermore, improving bilateral relations with individual member states could come under pressure in a grouping, especially on issues such as Kashmir. The OIC is mainly controlled by Saudi Arabia, but Pakistan, as the only Islamic country with nuclear weapons, has had a large say since its inception.
India’s Strong Reaction to OIC’s Allegations
India’s growing economic and energy interdependence with the OIC has become important in recent times. India has good relations with almost all member nations individually, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
However, India’s reaction to the OIC’s allegations shows that it does not want to tolerate any interference in its internal affairs. India has consistently stated that Jammu and Kashmir is an “integral part of India and is a matter strictly internal to India” and that the OIC has no locus standi on the issue. After building close ties with powerful members such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, India has been confident of riding over any statement by the grouping. In 2019, India made its maiden appearance at the OIC Foreign Ministers‘ meeting as a “guest of honour.”
The Significance of the OIC for India
The OIC’s growing economic and energy interdependence with India has become essential in recent times. India, as a major oil importer, is heavily dependent on OIC member nations such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq.
In recent years, India has been seeking closer ties with the OIC, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and energy cooperation. India has also been keen to leverage the OIC’s influence to gain support on issues of strategic importance, such as Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Kashmir, and Afghanistan.
Why In News
India criticized the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its alleged “communal mindset” and “anti-India” agenda. This response from India was prompted by the OIC secretariat’s statement accusing India of targeting the Muslim community during Ram Navami processions in several states.
MCQs about India’s Relationship with the OIC
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What was the original name of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)?
A. Organisation of Islamic Conference
B. Islamic Organisation for Cooperation
C. Organisation of Islamic Unity
D. Islamic Conference of Organisation
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How many members does the OIC have?
A. 47 members
B. 57 members
C. 67 members
D. 77 members
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Why did India refuse to join the OIC as an observer in 2006?
A. It did not want to join an organisation founded on religion.
B. It did not want to improve bilateral relations with individual member states.
C. It did not want to be controlled by Saudi Arabia.
D. It did not want to have a large say in the OIC.
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What is India’s reaction to the OIC’s allegations?
A. It does not want to tolerate any interference in its internal affairs.
B. It wants to join the OIC as a full member.
C. It supports the OIC’s allegations.
D. It wants to become a nuclear power.
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