India has rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint communiqué issued by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. The statement was made on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session in New York on September 22, 2026. The Contact Group comprises Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Niger.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India rejected the remarks as unwarranted and factually incorrect. “India categorically rejects the unwarranted and factually incorrect references to India in the Joint Communique of the so-called OIC Contact Group on Jammu & Kashmir. The OIC has no locus standi to pronounce on matters that are strictly internal to India,” the MEA said.

The ministry reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. “The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India, and no amount of repetition of politically motivated propaganda can change this reality.” It also questioned the OIC’s credibility over its continued support for what New Delhi described as politically motivated narratives. “Repeated endorsement of such motivated narratives only raises serious questions on the credibility of OIC.”

New Delhi also accused Pakistan of using the OIC platform to push its position on Kashmir. The MEA urged the grouping to focus instead on terrorism emanating from Pakistani territory. “Instead of offering a platform to Pakistan to peddle its fabricated and motivated propaganda, OIC will be better advised to counsel Pakistan, which has a well-documented record of supporting and sponsoring terrorism, to look inwards and address the continuing threat of terrorism emanating from territories under its control,” the ministry said.

The OIC Contact Group had reaffirmed its support for what it described as the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. It also expressed solidarity with Pakistan and criticised India’s military actions during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for a unified OIC position on Jammu and Kashmir at international forums.

The exchange comes amid continuing economic and social pressures in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Residents have reported rising fuel prices, inflation, weak tourism and limited employment opportunities. Local resident Saad Hameed said government jobs and tourism remain major sources of employment. He also said internet services had remained suspended for more than 90 days, affecting students, businesses and everyday communication.

The region has also witnessed prolonged protests since June. Demonstrations have focused on issues including prices, electricity costs, education and basic services. The Human Rights Council of PoJK said protests in Rawalakot and the districts of Poonch and Sudhnooti had completed 100 days. It warned that further delays in meaningful dialogue could deepen public frustration, mistrust and instability, and called for immediate, sincere and result-oriented talks.