ORGANISATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION (OIC)

ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION (OIC) CURRENT EVENT: In a major diplomatic achievement, India for the first time addressed the OIC meeting on Friday (01/03/2019) here, and asserted that the war against terrorism, which was destabilising regions and putting the world at great peril, was not against any religion. India's participation came despite strong demand by Pakistan to rescind the invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to address the grouping of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which was turned down by the host UAE. 1. What is Organisation of Islamic Cooperation? Ans: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is an international organization founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member states, with a collective population of over 1.8 billion as of 2015 with 40 countries being Muslim Majority countries. The organisation states that it is "the collective voice of the Muslim world" and works to "safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony." The OIC has permanent delegations to the United Nations and the European Union. The official languages of the OIC are Arabic, English, and French. . 2. What is the motto of OIC? Motto: "To safeguard the interests and ensure the progress and well-being of Muslims." 3. Is India a member of OIC? Ans: No, though India has the third largest Muslim population in the world. 4. Did India ever attend any of the summits of OIC? Ans: No, India was to attend the very first summit in Rabat, Morocco. But unfortunately Dr. Fakruddin Ali Ahmed, who was to attend the summit was forced back after reaching Morocco as he was disinvited at the last moment. He was a Minister in Indira Gandhi’s Cabinet and later became President of India. 5. Why was he disinvited? Ans: Pakistan’s President at the time Yaahya Khan has objected to India’s presence. 6. When was the last time India attended any session? Ans: NEVER 7. So, is it a defining moment that this year our External Affairs Minister, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj attended the summit as a Guest of Honour? Ans: Definitely yes in the wake of Pulwama strikes and subsequent Aerial strike by India on the terror havens well inside Pakistan, this is an opportunity for India to put it’s version before the Muslim body and before the world. 8. Didn’t Pakistan object this time to India’s presence? Ans: It did object but the hosts UAE did not budge. 9. So how did Paksitan react to India’s presence in the summit? Ans: By absenting itself when Sushma Swaraj made the key note address as the Guest of Honour. 10. Finally are there any low points in this whole episode? Ans: Unfortunately yes. OIC has released a declaration about Kashmir and Indian atrocities in Kashmir but India strongly condemned the resolution saying that Kashmir is an integral part of India and troubles there are an internal matter of India. However, OIC in it’s final declaration did not make even a passing reference to Kashmir.