With large-scale preparations underway for dignitaries expected to arrive for the G-20 events in the Kashmir valley, Pakistan, true to its sinister character, has fired its first salvo at India, which is hosting the meeting in the Union Territories of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, in an attempt to poison the atmosphere. As the group's Presidency, India is hosting a number of G-20 events and meetings throughout the country. The University of Kashmir participates in several G-20 programmes in collaboration with other universities, the UT, and the Union government. On April 9, the G-20 Development Working Group held its second meeting in Kumarakom, Kerala. Across the country, various Working Groups are holding similar meetings.
A major meeting of the Tourism Working Group is planned for May 22-24, 2023, at the Srinagar Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar. The guests will be taken to the Dachigam National Park and the world-famous tourist destination of Gulmarg. According to officials, almost all arrangements for the security and hospitality of the guests have been finalised.
The capital city of Srinagar is being renovated on a large scale as part of the Government of India's Smart City Mission. Currently, face-lifting and remodelling work is underway in Srinagar's Civil Lines, where the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) is demolishing the old iconic Bajaj Clock Tower and erecting a new one with modern value additions.
The local authorities have appealed to residents to help beautify the city ahead of the G-20 summit in Srinagar. It will surely be an opportunity to enhance the city's reputation as a well-known tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, traditional architecture, and people's hospitality. While the government is making the necessary arrangements for the city's upliftment, it is critical that citizens should also contribute to sprucing up the city and making the event a success.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday in an attempt to sour the atmosphere ahead of the G-20 meeting in Srinagar on May 22-24.
Officials in Jammu and New Delhi maintained that the Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson would respond to Pakistan's statement later on Tuesday. They claimed that both J&K and Ladakh were union territories under Indian sovereignty, and the only point of contention was Pakistan's illegal occupation of more than half of the former state, which had legitimately acceded to India in October 1947 and Pakistan has no locus in the internal affairs of India.
From 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023, India will preside over the Group of 20. Following the Asian financial crisis, the G-20 was established in 1999 as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic and financial issues. The group is in charge of putting together the G-20 agenda in consultation with other members and in response to global economic developments. Its member countries account for roughly 85% of global GDP, more than 75% of global trade, and roughly two-thirds of global population.
