Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The Organization 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.

Objectives and role:

- According to its charter, the OIC aims to preserve Islamic values.
- Safeguard and defend the national sovereignty .
- Independence of member states and to contribute to international peace and security.

While the organisation has been known for its cultural and social projects, its political influence has been relatively limited.

India-OIC:

India is neither a member nor an observer.
India to be a Guest of Honour at the Plenary of the OIC.
At the 45th session of the Foreign Ministers’ Summit in 2018, host country Bangladesh noted that India had more than 10% of the world’s Muslims live.
The OIC expressed strong condemnation of the killing of innocent Kashmiris by Indian forces in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
The Abu Dhabi meeting would likely discuss on the issues regarding peace and stability in the Muslim world.
India’s minster is expected to bring up the terrorist attacks in India in her address at the session.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has also criticised India of “increased stigmatisation” of its muslim minorities.
The Indian government has denied all the allegations levelled by the USCIRF and accused the USCIRF for spreading misguided reports on the professional medical protocols followed to deal with spread of Covid-19 in India.

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF):

USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission created by the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) that monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad.
USCIRF uses international standards to monitor religious freedom violations globally, and makes policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress.