OIC countries consider Kashmir an integral part of India

New Delhi – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha recently completed his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the visit, some of the big companies in the UAE signed agreements to invest in Jammu and Kashmir. The investment in Jammu and Kashmir by a country like the UAE, one of the most influential members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), is noteworthy. The analysts have claimed, referring to this investment, that in a way, the OIC countries are considering Kashmir as an integral part of India.

Investments are flowing into Kashmir on a large scale since the Indian government abrogated article 370. The UAE has become the first foreign country to make significant investments in Jammu-Kashmir. In October, an agreement to this effect had been signed with the UAE administration. The UAE administration will be investing in many infrastructure projects in Jammu-Kashmir. Srinagar-Sharjah direct flight services also have started since October. Although Pakistan refused to allow passage through its airspace, the Indian company took a detour but continued operations. The UAE investments in Jammu-Kashmir has severely upset Pakistan.

Jammu-Kashmir week was organised in the Indian pavilion during the Dubai Expo recently held. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu-Kashmir had visited UAE on this occasion. At this time, he had participated in the ‘Investors and Business leaders summit’. An investment of USD 450 billion was announced under the trade facilitating transparent policies of Jammu-Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha informed that an investment of USD 18.3 billion has also come into the real estate business. He also underlined that there are tremendous investment opportunities available in Jammu-Kashmir.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha signed investment agreements with big companies from UAE like Lulu Group, Al Maya Gazu, Matu Investments, GL Employment Brokerage, Noon Group and DP World. According to experts, these agreements are the acceptance that Kashmir is an integral part of India, indirectly given by the OIC countries.

Pakistan has become highly restless over the UAE investments in the Dry Port, Hotels and other sectors in Kashmir. The reports are making headlines in the Pakistan media. Pakistan made hectic efforts to bring the Kashmir issue on the OIC agenda and extract a favourable verdict for the members. But Pakistan has not achieved any success on this front in the last two to three years.

Therefore, as per experts, the UAE investment in Kashmir has become a masterstroke on diplomatic and political fronts. Analysts have said that India has achieved major diplomatic success and is a huge jolt for Pakistan. The experts view this as the preparation by the OIC member countries to declare Kashmir as a sovereign Indian territory.