Pakistan suffered another diplomatic embarrassment on the international stage when its attempt to rally support against India at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was thwarted by three prominent Muslim nations. At the recently held meeting of the OIC Parliamentary Union in Jakarta, Pakistan proposed a resolution criticizing India over the Kashmir issue. However, this effort was decisively blocked by Indonesia, Egypt, and Bahrain—three influential OIC member states—reflecting the growing global reluctance to endorse Islamabad’s narrative.
Failed Attempt to Internationalize Kashmir Issue
At the heart of Pakistan’s proposal was a renewed push to bring the Kashmir issue into the spotlight under the banner of Islamic solidarity. For decades, Pakistan has attempted to internationalize the Kashmir dispute, especially within Islamic forums like the OIC. In Jakarta, Islamabad once again lobbied to include strong anti-India language in the OIC Parliamentary Union’s resolution.
However, contrary to Pakistan’s expectations, the attempt was rebuffed. Notably, Indonesia—host of the event—took a firm stand against inserting any reference targeting India. This stance was strongly supported by Egypt and Bahrain, both of which rejected Pakistan’s attempt to politicize the forum and disrupt its broader objectives.
India’s Growing Influence in the Islamic World
The rejection of Pakistan’s proposal is not an isolated event but rather part of a larger trend indicating India’s strengthening ties with key Islamic countries. Over the past few years, India has actively expanded its diplomatic outreach to Muslim-majority nations across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
India currently maintains strong and mutually respectful relations with several OIC members, many of whom have shown increasing willingness to separate bilateral relations from historical narratives promoted by Pakistan. India’s economic strength, technological advancements, and consistent humanitarian policies have contributed to reshaping its global image—even among traditionally pro-Pakistan nations.
Multi-Party Indian Delegation Engages with Global Leaders
Coinciding with the Jakarta meeting, India deployed a seven-member multi-party parliamentary delegation to visit 32 countries to counter Pakistan’s propaganda on terrorism and Kashmir. This proactive diplomatic campaign was aimed at showcasing Pakistan’s history of supporting cross-border terrorism and to reinforce India’s position on the Kashmir issue as an internal matter.
The delegation, comprising representatives from various political parties, met with key international leaders, including Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. After the meeting, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey highlighted Bahrain’s long-standing friendly ties with India and expressed confidence in Bahrain’s support for India at the OIC and other multilateral platforms.
Pakistan’s Waning Influence in OIC
The OIC, comprising 57 Muslim-majority countries, has traditionally been viewed as a platform where Pakistan had a strong voice. However, recent events suggest a decline in Islamabad’s influence. The fact that its Kashmir-related proposal failed to find traction even among fellow Muslim countries is a telling sign of its diminishing clout.
This diplomatic snub also underscores the shifting priorities within the OIC. While the organization continues to focus on pressing issues such as the Palestinian cause and humanitarian concerns in Gaza, its members appear increasingly reluctant to endorse Pakistan’s India-centric agenda. The focus is now more on pragmatic partnerships, economic cooperation, and regional stability rather than ideological alignments.
India’s Balanced Position on Global Muslim Issues
Interestingly, the final OIC document from the Jakarta meeting included strong language concerning the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Gaza. However, despite Pakistan’s efforts, India was spared any harsh condemnation, thanks to the intervention of countries like Indonesia and Egypt.
India’s balanced and consistent stance on issues concerning the Muslim world, especially its support for the Palestinian cause, has resonated positively among OIC member states. India’s domestic harmony and religious inclusiveness, along with its non-interventionist foreign policy, have further contributed to building trust with Muslim-majority nations.
A Diplomatic Win for India
The rejection of Pakistan’s proposal at the OIC Parliamentary Union meeting in Jakarta marks another diplomatic win for India and a serious loss of face for Pakistan. It highlights India’s growing global stature and its effective use of diplomacy to build international consensus against terrorism and misinformation.
Pakistan’s repeated failures to internationalize the Kashmir issue are eroding its credibility even among Islamic countries, many of whom now prefer to strengthen ties with a rising India rather than be entangled in a legacy conflict. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, India’s strategic outreach and growing economic partnerships are clearly reshaping alliances—even within platforms like the OIC.
In this context, Pakistan’s latest humiliation at the OIC is not just a temporary setback but a reflection of a broader shift in international perceptions—one where merit, engagement, and mutual respect are gaining precedence over outdated rhetoric.
