The G-20 presidency is a great opportunity for India to showcase its vision and leadership on the global stage. India has scheduled its 3rd G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar from 22-24 May 2023. The meeting will provide India with the right opportunity to showcase Kashmir and set a records straight; refute the false allegations of atrocities as portrayed by Pakistan, quell misconceptions, and showcase the normalcy as it exists in Jammu & Kashmir. The meet also provides an opportunity to display the constructive growth and progress in the region post abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, thanks to the proactive approach of the government in wiping out terror and ushering in prosperity. Pakistan and its ally China are opposed to the same since it would call out their bluff.
Since the Indian government has rightly decided to go ahead with the planned G-20 meeting in Srinagar, Pakistan tried to garner support from allies like China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia to boycott the meeting in Srinagar. Not long ago, the West had assigned Kashmir the moniker of a ‘War-Torn Zone.’ Citizen advisories were a common norm, asking citizens to desist from visiting Kashmir. The move of the current dispensation is thus an attempt to call out the truth and assure the world that a new chapter of peace, tranquillity, and prosperity has dawned on Kashmir. Apart from the G-20 discussion at Srinagar, the planned three day event includes sightseeing for foreign delegates in places in and around Srinagar, including a Shikara ride in Dal Lake, a visit to Dachigam National Park and a resort in Gulmarg. With the onset of summers, the valley has transformed into a picturesque destination. Kashmir’s mesmerising beauty, rich cultural heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship are bound to leave the visiting dignitaries awestruck.
Diplomacy apart, the event is expected to give a fillip to the tourism industry and the idea of Kashmir as a ‘Tourist Hub.’ The G-20 meet will also usher in credible infrastructure development in the region. The meeting is being held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) located near the iconic Dal
Lake and the venue has been upgraded with digital infrastructure and a facelift worth Rs 7.5 crores. The Narbal-Gulmarg stretch has also be developed and the area around Gulmarg is now dotted with resorts. The summit would also necessitate the construction of additional infrastructure such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation facilities, which would further boost the local economy of the region.
The successful conduct of the event is bound to attract global media attention. This would go a long way in changing perceptions and defeating Pakistan’s nefarious designs while promoting the stability of the Union Territory. In 2022, close to two million tourists visited the valley, with most staying in and around Srinagar. Though there has been a substantial increase in domestic tourists visiting Kashmir (which incidentally indicates the prevailing safe atmosphere), Kashmir still needs international branding.
The successful conduct of the G-20 event would, therefore, be its litmus test. The appreciated benefit of the success of the G-20 visit in Srinagar is not just limited to tourism; it would be a stepping stone in boosting the local economy and ushering in business and investment. The meet will also provide opportunities for the local business community to interact with a range of business representatives, delegates, and investors from around the world. A successful conduct will therefore attract foreign investment in Kashmir and contribute immensely towards the national goal of promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Kashmir thrives on handicrafts. The event will help facilitate collaboration between craftsmen and international buyers, resulting in an increased demand for Kashmiri products, creating job opportunities for locals. The creation of additional job opportunities and the opening up of new avenues of employment would axiomatically help reduce poverty in the region. Professional courses and skill development workshops are therefore essential, to enable the local youth to gain the requisite skill sets to compete at a global level.
The stakes for Kashmir are high and the benefits are immeasurable. The responsibility of promoting Kashmir lies not only with the government and security agencies but also with the local population. The event can only be a success if the people of Kashmir realise the designs of a failed neighbour and embrace the true benefits of peace in the region.
