G20 is an organization consisting of 19 countries and the European Union (EU). It works to establish coordination for addressing global economy, climate change, sustainable development and other major global issues. Its influence can be seen from the fact that it represents 3/4th of international trade, 2/3rd of global population and 60% of the world area. India assumed the presidency of G20 on 01 December 2022 from Indonesia. The Russian-Ukraine war, global economic slowdown and alarming rate of climate change will be the key points of concern during the meetings held under India’s presidency. A total of four meetings of working group on tourism will be conducted under G20 and the third meeting is scheduled from 22 May 2023 to 24 May 2023 in Srinagar. India sees this as an opportunity to project ‘New Kashmir’ post the abrogation of article 370 and 35-A to the world. A Kashmir where there is no place for radicalization, violence, and militancy. A vibrant Kashmir, which is continuously marching ahead on the road to peace and development. But this may not be as simple as it sounds. Pakistan condemns Indian’s decision to hold G20 meetings in Kashmir. Pakistan sees this as an opportunity for India to refute Pakistan’s claims of Human Rights violation in Kashmir post abrogation of article 370 and 35-A.

The scheduled meeting will put Kashmir to the forefront on global media. It will not be a Kashmir as projected by Pakistan. Pakistan’s false propaganda on Human Rights violation in Kashmir will be shattered. The world will see a Kashmir which is developing. This will further give a push to the objective of developments in the fields of education, healthcare and infrastructure. G20 is expected to bring a number of investments into Valley. These investments will not only help in improving the economy of the state but will provide large number of job opportunities. All this is expected to increase the constructive involvement of youth and will significantly improve the living standards of locals.
Three decades of militancy and violence completely shattered the tourism sector of Kashmir. Once known for its mountains, valleys and lakes, Kashmir soon came to be known for terrorism, radicalization and drug trafficking. But conducting a meeting on tourism of G20 in Kashmir will again portray an image of Kashmir which is expected to significantly boost the tourism sector. To make this event memorable one and historic, the city of Srinagar is being converted into a “Smart City”. The world famous Dal Lake and the renowned Shikaras are being converted into world class tourism standards.G-20 summit hoardings are seen all over the place and there is a fillip to infrastructure development in the entire region. More than 50 Shikaras will be utilized for looking after the dignitaries coming from 20 different countries. Representatives from some of the world’s most powerful nations will enjoy the famous boat ride in Dal Lake, they will experience the taste of Kashmiri Wazwan and when global media will cover the beauty of Kashmir; a new image of Kashmir will arise on the global front.
Conducting an international meeting in Kashmir comes with a number of advantages both for Indian government and the local populace of Kashmir. The world wants to see ‘The New Kashmir’ post abrogation of article 370. The image of a peaceful and developing Kashmir coupled with conduct of peaceful assembly elections will go a long way in improving the status of Jammu & Kashmir UT and Kashmiris over the coming years. The tourism department is certain that this mega event will put Kashmir on the global tourism map.