G-20 meeting unveiled
THE G-20 meeting in Kashmir faced challenges as China, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia did not attend. Their decision to abstain reflects ongoing tensions and conflicts surrounding Kashmir, indicating a lack of support for India’s control over the region. In 2019, India unilaterally brought Kashmir under direct control, aiming to integrate it into the country and dividing it into two federal regions.
The G-20 Summit aimed to promote peace and prosperity in Kashmir, but extensive security measures were implemented, including the involvement of India’s elite security forces. While the picturesque region of Kashmir hosted the G-20 delegates, there was a stark contrast between the heavily militarized zone and the suppressed voices outside the conference premises. Dissenting voices in Kashmir emphasized the need for genuine peace and resolution of the Kashmir conflict.
The decision to host the G-20 meeting in Kashmir was controversial, with China boycotting it due to the disputed territory and Pakistan condemning it as a military occupation. Additionally, Egypt and Indonesia also boycotted the summit. The absence of major players such as Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and China significantly diminished the impact and relevance of the G-20 Summit, compromising its overall effectiveness.
Kashmir, despite its magnificent landscapes and popularity as a tourist destination, has a history of violence and government crackdowns. After the revocation of the region’s special status, dissent was stifled through restrictions and detentions. The Indian government argued that these actions would bring better control and development opportunities, including for the G-20 meeting. Critics questioned the authenticity of the government’s claims and emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of the people. The presence of a heavily armed security forces and preventive arrests raised doubts about the government’s narrative of normalcy.
Skeptics pointed out that the government’s focus on beautification neglected the larger issues and aspirations of the people. The suppression of a free and vocal media further complicated the assessment of the region’s situation. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti accused India of using the G-20 Summit for commercial gains and turning Kashmir into a replica of Guantánamo Bay. These claims highlight concerns about India’s actions in Kashmir. UN special rapporteur Fernand de Varennes expressed concerns about human rights abuses, political persecution and wrongful arrests in Kashmir. India’s permanent representation to the UN condemned these concerns as unfounded, asserting India’s sovereignty to convene G-20 meetings anywhere in the country.
India’s presidency of the G-20 faced contention due to commercial ties with Russia and the desire to shield Russia from criticism regarding Ukraine. The boycott underlines the need for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir conflict and upholding international norms and principles. The local population in Kashmir felt disillusioned with the lack of attention to their concerns, as tourists enjoyed the beauty of the region without understanding the realities faced by its inhabitants.
The G-20 meeting in Kashmir brought attention to the urgent need for genuine peace and resolution of the Kashmir issue, emphasizing the importance of addressing the aspirations and grievances of the people. India’s diplomatic efforts and its ability to garner support on global issues have been challenged, highlighting the significance of addressing regional disputes and upholding international law for global stability and credibility.
—The writer is a Researcher at CISS AJK and working on Nuclear Politics & Disarmament, Emerging Technologies and New Trends in Warfare.
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