BILATERAL ISSUES

a. BAHRAIN

State Visits of Prime Minister to Bahrain (August 24-25, 2019), New Delhi, 18 August 2019.

Prime Minister would be paying a State Visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain from 24-25 August 2019. This will be the first ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Bahrain.

During the visit, Prime Minister would be meeting and holding talks with His Royal Highness Prince Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain to discuss entire spectrum of bilateral relations and also regional and international issues of mutual interest. His Majesty the King of Bahrain Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa will be hosting a banquet dinner in honour of Prime Minister. PM Modi would also launch the renovation of Shreenathji (Shree Krishna) temple in Manama.

India enjoys close and friendly relations with Bahrain rooted in ancient trade and cultural links and people to people contacts and underpinned by regular exchange of high-level visits. India-Bahrain bilateral trade has been on the rise for the last few years, reaching about US$ 1.3 billion in 2018-19. Further about 3,50,000 Indian nationals, the largest expatriate community in Bahrain has been contributing to the development of Bahrain. The presence of over 3000 Indian-owned/Joint Ventures in Bahrain indicates the intense economic engagement between the two countries. The visit will provide an opportunity to further cement our mutually beneficial bilateral ties with Bahrain. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Acceptance Speech of Prime Minister on being conferred The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, during his visit to Bahrain, Manama, 25 August 2019.

Your Majesty the King of Bahrain,

I feel very honoured and fortunate to be awarded The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance. I am equally honoured by Your Majesty’s friendship for me and for my country.

I humbly accept this prestigious honour on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians. It is an honour for entire India. This is a recognition of the close and friendly relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and India. These relations go back thousands of years.

And in the 21st century, they are expanding in all areas. It is a matter of happiness that in our discussions today, we agreed to add new areas of cooperation and further strengthen our ties.

We aim to make India a $ 5 trillion economy. We would like Bahrain to partner India more closely for shared progress.

I am very happy to note that the Indian origin people are the largest foreign community in Bahrain. They are welcomed here with open heart.

I thank the leadership of the Kingdom for looking after them and making them feel at home here. I consider myself very fortunate to be the first ever Indian Prime Minister to visit this close friend in our neighbourhood.

I am grateful to the leadership of Bahrain for their generous hospitality for my delegation and me. It will be an honour for me to receive His Majesty in India on a visit.

Thank you. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Translation of Prime Minister's address to the Indian community in Bahrain (August 24, 2019), Manama, 24 August 2019.

Namaskar!

The way you welcomed me, I once felt that I was in some part of India.

I am so excited with so much enthusiasm, so much love, I am excited.

I express my gratitude

To His Highness King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa,

To His Highness the Prime Minister,

To the Government of Bahrain,

And also, to the people here for the hospitality.

I realize that the Prime Ministers of India have taken a little longer to visit Bahrain. But I have also got the privilege of being the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Bahrain and I am satisfied and happy with it.

Friends,

While coming on stage here, I was seeing that a magnificent presentation of India's Cultural Heritage was being done. Be it Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Punjabi, every language of India, every tone was echoed.

These colours of Indianness are our strength. This iridescent image of India amazes and attracts the whole world.

Friends,

My visit to Bahrain may be as the head of the government, as Prime Minister, but my object is also to meet the Indians settled here and communicate with millions of Bahraini friends.

My effort is to provide 21st century freshness and modernity to 5 thousand-year-old relationships. Those relationships that came from Sumer, Dilmun's Indus Valley, must reach new heights between India and Bahrain of 21st century and I have come here to accomplish this.

I have come to invite millions of Bahraini companions to the new Opportunity, to a new horizon of New India of 130 million dreams.

Brothers and Sisters,

Our relations with Bahrain have been about trade and business, more than this, have been about humanism, of sensibilities, of culture, of values.

Our visit to each other for thousands of years has left its mark in both countries. I have had a very fruitful conversation with His Highness The Prime Minister.

Apart from strengthening the strong cooperation between us, we have decided to extend our relationship to new areas like space.

I look forward to meeting His Majesty The King. He sent me an invitation, I am very thankful to him for this.

The societies of the two countries have inherited a lot from each other for a long time. In particular, our Family Values have been given great priority by the society of both countries. We have considered a strong and empowered family system as the basis of empowerment of the society.

Friends,

Today is the holy festival of Janmashtami. I have been told that there is still the tradition of narrating Krishna Katha on Janmashtami in the Gulf region. Indians, especially Gujarat and Gujaratis have a special love for Krishna, a special reverence.

Why, because? Bahrain has old relations with Gujarat. So, it is natural that here Lord Krishna's Murali resonates in your heart. Here too, have reverence for Dwarkadhish. Tomorrow I will go to Shrinathji's temple and pray for the prosperity and peace for all of you and your host country. It is the oldest temple in the region. Recently it has completed two hundred years.

I know how you and the devotees from India celebrated this occasion with reverence and gaiety. It is also a matter of pleasure that the work of redevelopment of this temple will be formally started tomorrow. This temple is a living mark of faith in you. And it is also a symbol of Bahrain's tradition of diversity and harmony. I have had conversations with many people there.

Based on what I have seen, what I have heard, I can say that Bahrain's society has preserved Indian faith, tradition a lot.

Friends,

This has been possible because our relationship is not only with governments but with society. You have a big role in Bahrain's Growth Story. The soil here has made your dreams, dreams of your loved ones flying. Whenever I hear the praise of the Indian colleagues of the government here, the business associates here, settled here, the comrades who work here, my heart is filled with happiness. There is immense goodwill here for your honesty, loyalty, workability and your contribution to the socio-economic life of Indians. You have made a place for yourself here with your hard work. We have to strengthen this Goodwill.

Friends,

Your contribution to the development of India is also commendable. Your hard work is coming for your loved ones living in India, and it is helping to raise the standard of living of your family.

Brothers and Sisters,

Today, Ease of Living is our priority in India. In New India, work is being done to ensure that no one has to wander for their basic needs. Today when you talk to your family and relatives living in India, you feel the change. Do you feel the Change? Look at the changing attitude and grace of India? The self-confidence of India and Indians is increasing?

All this is happening because in the last 5 years, the emphasis was on making the life of ordinary human beings easier. Homes were built for crores of poor families of the country. Toilets, electricity, gas connections, every such basic facility was provided to the houses.

Today almost every family in India is connected to banking services. Mobile phones, the Internet is within reach of a normal family of India. The cheapest internet data in the world is in India. Today, the delivery of most services in India is done digitally and its efforts are being pushed forward. The facility of social security is also being provided to the normal family. Insurance or pension is being provided at a very nominal premium. Not only this, about 50 crore Indians have also been provided facilities for free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh.

Friends,

This is the change due to which 130 crore Indians have chosen the government with a bigger mandate than before.

Every Indian has come to believe that India's dreams can be fulfilled, hopes and aspirations can be fulfilled. This Sewak of India, on the basis of this belief, your Sewak is busy in proving new resolutions. Our goals are high, but when you have the support of 130 crore people, you get encouragement. India is moving forward today, not only with the efforts of the government but with the participation of crores of Indians.

The government is sitting on Steering only but the Accelerator is being pressed by the people of the country.

Friends,

Now India has decided that in the coming 5 years we will try to double the size of our economy. Five trillion dollars is in front of us as a target today. For us, 5 Trillion Dollar Economy is not just a figure, but a means of empowering ordinary Indians. If the economy doubles, the income of every Indian household will also increase. Purchasing power of an ordinary Indian will also increase.

Brothers and Sisters,

To reach this point of 5 Trillion Dollar we have the Potential as well as the Plan. To achieve this goal, we have not yet started work, but have built a strong foundation in the last 5 years. Today India is making extensive improvements in every global ranking. We have also improved the ranking of the World Intellectual Property Organization's Global Innovation Index, the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness (Competitiveness) Index and 10 FDI destinations listed by UNCTAD.

In Ease of Doing Business, we also aim to be in the top 50 countries. As a result of this, FDI is coming to India at a record level today. I am confident that our friends in Bahrain will also be more eager to take advantage of this unprecedented investment climate in India.

Friends,

Today, unprecedented work is being done in the field of Physical and Digital Infrastructure in India. The network of Roadways, Highways, Railways, Airways, Waterways and i-ways are being laid.

In the coming 5 years, an investment target of Rs 100 lakh crore has been set in the country's infrastructure sector. Talking about digital infrastructure, today India is one of the most digitally connected countries in the world with the facilities of Mobile Phone and Aadhar. Now fast work is being done to provide broadband connectivity in every gram panchayat of the country. Different levels of work are also being done for 5G connectivity in the country. We have a very large and extensive repository of data. The Indian model of Digital Transaction is now being discussed all over the world.

All of you have also been huge beneficiaries of the Digital Revolution in India. You all must have experienced how difficult it was until 5 years ago to talk to your family, your relatives and send money there. Now you can do all these things very easily.

Facilities like BHIM app, UPI and Jan Dhan account have made banking in India accessible to the common man. Our RuPay-card is now becoming a favourite medium of Transaction all over the world. Banks and Sellers around the world are now accepting our RuPay card. I am glad that you will be able to transact in Bahrain soon with RuPay card. Today there is a MoU signed for use of RuPay card. With this you will get the facility of cashless transactions. Further, we intend to provide you the facility to send money to your home in India through the RuPay card. So that the cost of sending money is reduced, and the transactions should also be reliable. Now you will be able to tell your friends in Bahrain that - Pay with RuPay.

Friends,

Till some time, back rupee was popular here and Rupee was in circulation. Now a few days later the RuPay card will come in use.

Brothers and sisters,

The RuPay card is one of the systems in India that is providing Seamless connectivity to the entire country.

Today, India is moving towards One Nation, One Card for Seamless Mobility. Today, there is One Nation, One Grid for power supply across India. One Nation, One Tax as GST is applicable for the whole of India.

There are many such systems, which are being made in India to make life and business easier. The important thing is that all these solutions are being made in India itself, the youth of India are making it. Today, India is seriously working on the Concept of Local Solution For Global Application.

Friends,

India has shown its power in front of the world. Today, India's talent is building India's global identity. It is doing wonders for India as well as for the world, for which everyone is astonished. In large projects of the world, in the research of future technology, Indian institutions are showing their talent in big institutions. At the same time, new dimensions of success are being achieved in India. You all know that India's Chandrayaan is going to land on the lunar surface on 7 September. Today, the entire world is discussing the Space Missions of India.

The capabilities of ISRO, our scientists, our engineers are being praised all over the world. The world is surprised that in such a limited budget, how are we able to achieve such results only on the basis of our skill, efficiency and Discipline? Actually, this is our strength and this is our Advantage. We rely on unmatched will power, not just on the budget, to achieve big tasks, big goals.

Brothers and sisters,

The nation is made up of proudly raised heads, not of borders. In the last five years, it has been our endeavour that the head of crores of Indians living abroad, along with 130 crore Indians in the country, always remain high. Millions of Indians like you are a strong link in India's relations with the whole world. Today, if India sees the world with respect, then there is a big reason behind it. I assure you that the way the Government of India has stood with you in your good and bad times, you will be ready to serve you with full strength even further.

Friends,

In 2022, our independent India will become 75 years old. Every Indian has taken many resolutions for this important step. I will also urge you to take some new resolutions at your level. Like you decide that every year, every year you will motivate some of your Bahraini friends for India's Tour. From beautiful hill stations to rich spiritual and cultural heritage in India. Also discuss about quality medical and meditation tourism of India with your Bahraini colleagues. This year is very important anyway. This year, the country will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Though these festivals will be celebrated all over the world including Bahrain, but what better place than India to join Gandhiji in the true sense?

Friends,

We will be able to fulfil our responsibilities towards India properly only when we will join the whole body and mind with Bahrain's resolutions. I was told that His Highness and the youth, citizens here have waged a campaign to clean their seas. I appeal to all of you to participate actively in this campaign. In India too, we have launched a successful and comprehensive campaign on cleanliness. Now India has decided to liberate India from single use of plastic by the year 2022. Not only this, a huge mission has been started to save water and also to bring water to every house. You can also participate actively in this campaign. You can take the initiative to revive the wells, step wells, ponds, lakes of your ancestral village with which you have memories of your childhood, your parents' childhood, and adopt them.

Friends,

If we work for the common interests and common values of Bahrain and India, then our historic relationship in the 21st century will definitely touch new heights. Both India and Bahrain are ancient civilizations but modern nations full of potential. I am confident that lakhs of ambassadors like you will give more strength to this strong bond of relationships. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to talk once again. Jai Hind. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

India-Bahrain Joint Statement on the Visit of Prime Minister to Bahrain, Manama, 25 August 2019.

At the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India paid State visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain on 24 and 25 August 2019. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior officials.

The visit of Prime Minister Modi to Bahrain is the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister. It was a historical and important milestone in the long-standing brotherly ties and bilateral cooperation between the two countries, founded on close historical bonds, shared principles, mutual interests as well as common aspiration for international peace, stability and prosperity.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, received His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India and his accompanying delegation at the Gudaibiya Palace, in the presence of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. His Majesty the King hosted an official banquet in honour of the Prime Minister of India.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, bestowed Bahrain Order – First Class on His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic India in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain. 5. Prime Minister was given grand ceremonial welcome at Gudaibiya Palace followed by talks with His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Both leaders discussed a range of issues on bilateral, regional and international front.

Prime Minister Modi received His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.

During the official meetings, the two sides underlined their close bilateral ties, deep-rooted in shared history and cultural affinities, sustained and nourished through growing economic linkages and close people-to-people contacts. The wide-ranging discussions were held in a sincere, friendly and forward-looking atmosphere with useful exchanges of views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations and agreed to further broaden and deepen the engagement in diverse fields of mutual interest, and underlined the importance of enhancing high-level political exchanges, defence and higher education cooperation, trade and economic relations and people-to-people linkages. Both sides welcomed the efforts of the High Joint Commission between Bahrain-India.

During the meetings, the two sides also noted the increasing trend of bilateral trade and existing potential for two-way investments reaffirmed their desire to provide favourable environments for trade and investments.

The following MoUs were signed during the visit:

i. Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Bahrain

ii. Statement of Intent on the collaboration between ISRO and NSSA in the area of Space Technology

iii. Statement of Intent on the collaboration of Bahrain with ISA

iv. Memorandum of Understanding between BENEFIT and NPCI for Launch of "RuPay Card’ in Bahrain.

The Indian side welcomed the interest of the Kingdom of Bahrain to join the International Solar alliance (ISA), recognising the importance of it as international intergovernmental organisation, which has become an effective platform to facilitate the deployment of solar energy.

Both sides reaffirmed their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of the identity of the perpetrators and their motives, and they agreed to further enhance cooperation in the field of security, counterterrorism and the exchange of intelligence and information. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The two sides also noted the need for concerted action by the international community against terrorism including through early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organizations by the UN.

Expressing satisfaction on their on-going bilateral cooperation in the area of security, two sides welcomed the ‘Security Dialogue’ meetings at regular intervals, at the level of Deputy National Security Advisors. The two sides discussed ways and means to further promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention of use of cyber space for terrorism, radicalization and for disturbing social harmony. Both sides called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists perpetrating terrorism from all territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice.

The two sides agreed to focus on enhancing cooperation in energy, covering the areas of joint exploration and training of human resources. Prime Minister congratulated Bahrain on the recent discovery of huge oil and Gas reserves. The Indian side highlighted the interest of its energy companies to pursue opportunities of conventional exploration as well as development of newly discovered oil and gas assets in Bahrain.

The two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf region, vital for the security and safety of sea lanes.

Both sides emphasized on the urgent need to pursue UN reforms, including the Security Council through an expansion of both categories of its membership, to make it more representative and effective in tackling global challenges.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment towards reformed multilateralism and underlined the need to strengthen and reform multilateral system and institutions to address the aspirations of the developing countries.

With regards to regional connectivity projects, both sides agreed that they should be based on international law including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Both the leaders reaffirmed the commitment to pluralism, values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and religious freedom.

His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India praised the initiative of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, to declare April 5 as the International Day of Conscience.

Prime Minister of the Republic of India expressed his thanks and appreciation to the leadership and people of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the warm welcome and hospitality, and extended an invitation to His Majesty the King, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister to visit the Republic of India at a mutually convenient time, which was gladly accepted. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

b. EGYPT

India strongly condemns terrorist attack in Cairo, New Delhi, 07 August 2019.

India strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Cairo on the night of 4-5 August 2019. We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack. India stands in solidarity with the Government and the people of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the fight against terrorism. The terror attack in Cairo is yet another reminder of the necessity for concerted action on the part of the International community to defeat the scourge of terrorism. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

c. TUNISIA

Cabinet approves MoU between India and Tunisia on Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes, New Delhi, 05 August 2019.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given ex post-facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Tunisia on Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer space for Peaceful Purposes. The MoU was signed at Bengaluru, India on 11th June, 2019.

Impact:

This Agreement shall enable the following cooperation in space science, technology and applications including areas, such as remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellite-based navigation; Space science and planetary exploration. Use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology.

The Agreement would lead to setting up of a Joint Working Group, drawing members from Department of Space/ISRO, India and the National Centre for Cartography and Remote Sensing, Tunisia which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU.

Background:

Tunisian Minister for Communication Technologies and Digital Economy, during his visit to India in July 2015 expressed interest to pursue space cooperation with India. Tunisia is in the process of evolving space programme and desired to learn from ISRO’s experience for the same.

As a follow up, India and Tunisia have signed the MoU at Bengaluru, India. Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB).

d. UAE

PM’s Departure Statement Ahead of His Visit to UAE, New Delhi, 21 August 2019.

During the visit to the United Arab Emirates on 23-24 August, I look forward to discuss with His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

I also look forward to jointly release the stamp to commemorate the 150^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi along with His Highness the Crown Prince. It will be an honour to receive the ‘Order of Zayed’, the highest civilian decoration conferred by the UAE government, during this visit. I will also formally launch RuPay card to expand the network of cashless transactions abroad.

Frequent high-level interactions between India and UAE testify to our vibrant relations. UAE is our third-largest trade partner and fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India. The qualitative enhancement of these ties is among one of our foremost foreign policy achievements. The visit would further strengthen our multifaceted bilateral ties with UAE. Source: Narendra Modi

State Visit of Prime Minister to UAE (August 23, 2019), New Delhi, 18 August 2019.

Prime Minister would pay a State Visit to UAE. During his visit, PM would be meeting the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Modi would receive the Order of Zayed, the highest civil decoration of the UAE which was conferred earlier in April 2019 in recognition of the distinguished leadership of Prime Minister Modi for giving a big boost to bilateral relations between the two countries. The award in the name of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, acquires special significance as it was awarded to Prime Minister Modi

India and the UAE enjoy warm, close and multi-faceted relations underpinned by cultural, religious and economic linkages which, during the Prime Minister’s previous visit to the UAE during August, 2015, stood elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In February 2018 Prime Minister visited UAE as Chief Guest at the World Government Summit. Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has visited India during February 2016 and then during January, 2017 as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations.

With robust flow of bilateral investments and an annual bilateral trade of about US$ 60 billion, the UAE is our third-largest trade partner. Also, the UAE is the fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India. A 3.3 million-strong vibrant Indian community in the UAE nourishes the vibrant people-to-people contacts between our two friendly countries. The visit would further strengthen our friendly bilateral ties with the UAE. Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MULTILATERAL ISSUES

e. OIC

OIC Expresses Concern about the Deteriorating Situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Jeddah, 04 August 2019

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir including reports of deployment of additional paramilitary forces and use of banned cluster munitions by the Indian forces to target civilians.

The General Secretariat is saddened to learn about the civilian casualties resulting from ceasefire violations carried out by Indian forces across the Line of Control and expresses solidarity with the people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The OIC reiterates its call upon the international community to rise up to its responsibility for the peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Source: Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

Emergency Meeting of the OIC contact Group on Jammu & Kashmir, Jeddah, 06 August 2019.

Following a request from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, an urgent meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu & Kashmir at the level of Permanent Representatives was held in Jeddah on 6 August 2019 to review the recent developments in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoK). The meeting was chaired by OIC Assistant Secretary General Ambassador Samir Bakr Diab and attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan H. E. Mr. Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and the Permanent Representatives of Azerbaijan, Niger, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

In a statement delivered on behalf of the Secretary General, the OIC expressed its deep concern over the critical situation in IoK and condemned the gross human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir and encouraged the parties for a negotiated settlement on the basis of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, OIC Summit decisions and CFM resolutions.

H. E. the Foreign Minister of Pakistan provided a detailed account of the on-going deteriorating situation in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the International Community to take urgent necessary actions to protect the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Other members of the Contact Group also delivered statements expressing their support to the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination. Source: Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

OIC Calls for the Protection of Religious Rights of the People of Jammu and Kashmir, Jeddah, 14 August 2019.

The OIC General Secretariat has learnt with concern the reports of curtailment of religious freedoms of Kashmiri Muslims in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including complete lockdown even on the auspicious occasion of Eid, denying Eid congregations and preventing Kashmiri Muslims from observing religious rituals.

Denial of religious rights constitutes a serious violation of international human rights law and is an affront to Muslims across the world. Therefore, the OIC urges Indian authorities to ensure the protection of the rights of Kashmiri Muslims and the exercise of their religious rights without any hindrance.

The OIC also calls upon the international community, including the United Nations and other relevant bodies, to increase efforts for a negotiated settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute on the basis of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Source: Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

OIC Calls for Peaceful Settlement of Kashmir Dispute, Jeddah, 16 August 2019

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic cooperation (OIC) has been following the situation in Jammu and Kashmir with concern and calls for increased efforts to reach a negotiated settlement of the dispute. In this regard, the OIC welcomes the recent statement of the UN Secretary General on the issue and recalls the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions as guiding principles for peaceful resolution of the longstanding dispute.

Reiterating OIC Summit decisions and Council of Foreign Ministers’ resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, the OIC General Secretariat further supports the request of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to convene an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to consider the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, address the humanitarian situation and deliberate towards resolving the dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. Source: Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

OIC reaffirms the internationally recognized status of Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Jeddah, 31 August 2019

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has been following with concern developments in Jammu and Kashmir as a result of the unilateral decision taken by India on 5 August 2019 revoking Constitutional Article 370, thereby removing the special status of the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

The General Secretariat reaffirms the United Nations Security Council Resolutions on the internationally recognized status of Jammu and Kashmir dispute and its final disposition through a UN supervised plebiscite.

Recalling the OIC Summit decisions and Council of Foreign Ministers resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, the General Secretariat reiterates the solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It calls for the immediate lifting of the curfew, restoration of communication and the respect for the fundamental rights of Kashmiris.

Recognizing the centrality of the issue of Jammu and Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India and the need for seeking a durable and just solution according to the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, the General Secretariat stresses the need for the resumption of dialogue process between Pakistan and India, which is a prerequisite for development, peace and stability in South Asia. Source: Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

As part of the policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spellings and date format to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND P R Kumaraswamy