India will work with OIC to build bridges of understanding, inspire youth to path of service: Swaraj

India will work with the OIC to build bridge of understanding and reduce barriers across cultures and religions and inspire youth to the path of service than of destruction, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj assured the group of the Islamic countries on Friday.

Swaraj, who is the first Indian minister to address the OIC meeting, said that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has a huge responsibility and a great opportunity to lift the humanity to a higher level of peace and prosperity.

She said India, which is the world's third largest economy on Purchasing Power Parity and the fastest growing major economy, advocates moderation over extremism and pluralism over exclusion.

The OIC is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. India for the first time addressed the OIC meeting despite strong demand by Pakistan to rescind the invitation to Swaraj to address the grouping, which was turned down by the host UAE, resulting in Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi boycotting the plenary.

"At 50, the OIC is making a new beginning. The choices you make, the direction you set, will have a profound impact on humanity.

"The OIC has a huge responsibility and a great opportunity to lift humanity to a higher level of peace and prosperity, and to make this planet a better place, not just for your people, but for rest of the world," she said.

The External Affairs Minister said that India is prepared to share its market, resources, opportunities, and skills with its partners.

"We will do what we can within our capacity to ensure that the path to development remains open to all and the global trade regime is open, stable and fair," she added.

"We will work with you to spread the true meaning and mission of all religions; promote respect for and between faiths; counter the language of hate with the message of harmony; advocate moderation over extremism and pluralism over exclusion."