Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

In Context 

• India took strong objection to a statement released by Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) amid the ongoing controversy over suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s remarks on the Prophet.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

• About:
  • It is the second largest organisation after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. 
  • It is the collective voice of the Muslim world. It endeavors to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.
  • It has consultative and cooperative relations with the UN and other intergovernmental organisations to protect the vital interests of the Muslims and to work for the settlement of conflicts and disputes involving Member States. 
• Eastalishment: 
  • It was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on 12th Rajab 1389 Hijra (25 September 1969) following the criminal arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.

India and OIC

• As a country with the world’s second largest Muslim community, India had been invited to the founding conference at Rabat in 1969, but was humiliatingly ejected at Pakistan’s behest.
• 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 stayed away because of a multiplicity of reasons, as a secular country, it did not want to join an organisation founded on religion. 
    • And, India can come under pressure in a grouping, especially on issues such as Kashmir. 

• Changing terms:
  • In 2019, India was invited to the 46th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), where India was invited as a ‘Guest of Honour’ country by the UAE.

Source:HT