Tensions Rise as China Opposes G20 Meeting in Kashmir: India Hits Bac
China Opposes G20 Meeting in Kashmir, India Defends Its Sovereign Right
China has expressed opposition to the holding of a G20 meeting in Kashmir, while Turkey and Saudi Arabia have not registered for the event scheduled to take place in Srinagar. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that China firmly opposes holding G20 meetings in any form in “disputed” areas and will not attend such meetings.
In response, India has asserted its freedom to hold meetings on its own territory and emphasized that peace and tranquility on its border are crucial for normal ties with China. The 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group meeting is scheduled to be held from May 22-24 in Srinagar, with heightened security measures in place.
This significant international event marks the first since Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status in 2019 and was divided into two union territories. Around 60 delegates from G20 countries are expected to attend, although the initial projection of over 100 attendees has been revised.
Sources indicate that Turkey has decided not to participate, and Saudi Arabia has yet to register for the event. Srinagar is under a stringent security blanket, with Marine commandos and National Security Guards (NSG) deployed to ensure comprehensive ground-to-air security coverage.
The G20 meeting venue, the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), is surrounded by heightened security, including the takeover of Dal Lake by Marine commandos. NSG commandos, along with local police and paramilitary forces, are conducting area domination exercises. Security forces have also conducted searches in the Lal Chowk area.
The unprecedented security measures extend to houseboats, which are being searched by paramilitary troops. These houseboats, crafted from wood with intricate carvings, hold significant cultural and traditional value in Kashmir.
Officials assert that the G20 event in Srinagar aims to showcase the tourism potential of Kashmir and send a message to the world that it is an integral part of India. The participation of member countries of the powerful G20 club is viewed as an endorsement of India’s position on the matter.
