India is hosting G20 meet in Jammu and Kashmir from 22 to 24 May in a grand manner despite objections by Pakistan. The three-day G20 meet will focus on five key priority areas, Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs and Destination Management. The delegates, who arrived to attend the meet, were accorded a warm traditional welcome.
Pakistan has been objecting to the G20 event in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan’s calls of boycott were heeded by its close ally China, which too is in illegal occupation of the land of Jammu and Kashmir and has vested interests in the region. China and another Pak ally Turkey along with a guest country Egypt have decided to boycott the meet, while Saudi Arabia would not be officially attending. However, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are represented by travel industry representatives.
India remains undaunted by these boycotts and has made elaborate arrangements for the success of the important meet.
The chief coordinator for India’s G20 presidency, Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, “We have the highest representation from foreign delegations for the tourism working group meeting in Srinagar, than we have had in the previous working group meetings. Our experience is that in any working group meeting, to get such a large turnout of delegates not only from G20 countries but also from international organisations that are part of the G20 is an incredible process.
“If you have to do a working group on tourism in India, we have to do it in Srinagar. There is no option.”
The official G20 India group tweeted, “G20India comes to Paradise on Earth.” Jammu & Kashmir-the famed Paradise on Earth- provides a perfect setting for the Meeting. G20 India group further said, “The land of unforgettable majestic beauty, abode of verdant valleys, pristine lakes, striking autumn & a rich cultural heritage is hosting the meet in its capital city, Srinagar”.
As Srinagar is decked up to host the third Tourism Working Group Meeting of G20 members on 22 May, Spain, Singapore, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil and India are among seven countries to discuss the global perspective of film tourism, as well as, its economic benefits and impact in J-K.
Actor Ram Charan of the Naatu Naatu fame arrived to attend the first side event on “Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation” of the 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group meeting.
“We love Kashmir. it is such a beautiful place. It is the best place they chose to have the G20 meeting,” Actor Ram Charan said in Srinagar.
“The G20 meeting in Kashmir will have a positive impact, will spread peace, prosperity and creation of jobs. Tourism industry will grow, high impact tourists will come, and will act as multiplier,” G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said.
Upon their arrival, delegates of the 3rd TWG Meeting were met with a burst of colour, smiles & the warmth of Jammu & Kashmir. The melodious music & a lively glimpse into the culture of Srinagar made the moment extra special.
A number of kashmiris have posted videos on social media in which they have welcomed the G20 event and have expressed hope that it would bring much more growth & development.
Ahead of the G20 meet, an Arab influencer, Amjad Taha, posted a video and teased his fans, saying that this is not Switzerland or Austria but Kashmir, where the G20 will take place.
“This is not Switzerland or Austria; this is India, and this is Kashmir where the G20 will take place. It’s called the ‘paradise on Earth,’ a place that has preserved the Earth and can be the solution for climate change. In Kashmir, we see Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians all living in peace and enjoying their diverse land while contributing to world innovation and development for the future,” Amjad Taha tweeted.
See Also: https://indiadiplomacy.in/world-leaders-in-new-delhi-ministers-meet-heaped-praise-on-india-pm-modi/
