India Prepares for Busy July at the United Nations Amid Ongoing Kashmir Dispute

Strategic Insights -

India is gearing up for a significant month at the United Nations as Pakistan takes over as the chair of the UN Security Council for July, focusing on the Kashmir issue and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) profile. Pakistan is hosting two high-profile events, including a high-level open debate chaired by Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, where the Kashmir issue is likely to be addressed. Meanwhile, Islamabad is pushing for the OIC to become a key regional partner for the UN, a move that could raise concerns for India due to the OIC's past criticism of India's handling of Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan is hosting a high-level open debate at the UN Security Council on July 21, chaired by Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, where the Kashmir issue is expected to be addressed.
  • India is preparing to deliver a statement on Kashmir during the debate, amidst concerns that the OIC's profile at the UN could be enhanced, potentially leading to further criticism of India's handling of the region.
  • Islamabad is pushing for the OIC to become a key regional partner for the UN, citing its 57-member strong grouping, which includes nations from West Asia, Africa, and Asia.
  • The OIC has repeatedly questioned and criticised India's handling of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
  • The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in November 2024 calling for increased cooperation with the OIC on international security, human rights, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian issues.
  • India is campaigning to return to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member in the 2028-29 term, while Pakistan will serve as a non-permanent member until December 31, 2026.

Statistics:

  • The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is a 57-member strong grouping formed in 1969, comprising countries from West Asia, Africa, and Asia.
  • The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in November 2024 calling for increased cooperation with the OIC on international security, human rights, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian issues.
  • Pakistan will serve as the chair of the UN Security Council for the month of July.
  • India is currently campaigning to return to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member in the 2028-29 term.

Sources:

  • "India's deafening silence on Kashmir at UN a revealing barometer of its helplessness": Hindustan Times, July 1.