India to Host G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting in Srinagar Despite China’s Absence

20-05-2023 : China has announced its decision to skip the upcoming G20 Tourism Working Group meeting scheduled to be held in Jammu & Kashmir, citing its firm opposition to convening such gatherings in the “disputed territory.” As a close ally of Pakistan, China’s decision reflects its stance on the region. Meanwhile, India is set to host the third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, from May 22 to May 24.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized the significance of this international event, stating that the G20 meeting in Srinagar presents a substantial opportunity for Jammu & Kashmir to showcase its true potential. Singh believes that hosting such a gathering in Srinagar will send a positive message both within the country and across the globe. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, addressing the media, reiterated China’s opposition to holding any form of G20 meetings in disputed territories. He declared that China would not attend such meetings, aligning with its previous stance on the matter. In the past, Islamabad and Beijing have made unwarranted references to the Indian Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. India has consistently rejected such statements from both China and Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized India’s clear position that the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India, with no other country having the right to comment on the matter.

Furthermore, India and China have been engaged in a protracted border standoff in eastern Ladakh for three years, causing significant strain in their bilateral relationship. The situation escalated following a deadly clash in Galwan Valley, Eastern Ladakh, in June 2020. India has maintained that restoring normalcy in the border area is crucial for improving the overall bilateral relationship between the two nations.