Chairman of Islamabad-based Think Tank, Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani, Highlights Diplomatic Setback for India at G-20 Tourism Meeting in Kashmir.
In his latest analysis, Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), sheds light on a significant diplomatic setback faced by India at the G-20 working group meeting on tourism held in Srinagar, the capital of the Indian occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The conference, aimed at showcasing India’s G-20 presidency, encountered major challenges, ultimately failing to achieve its objectives. The decision to host the summit events in the disputed region triggered objections from China and Pakistan, raising concerns about India’s political motives and its attempt to present a misleading image of normalcy in Kashmir.
Pakistan, a key stakeholder in the Kashmir dispute, expressed serious reservations regarding India’s choice to host the meeting in Srinagar. The Pakistan foreign office condemned the decision, accusing India of exploiting the G-20 platform to advance its political agenda and present a distorted picture of stability in Kashmir.
Embarrassment for India as Think Tank Chairman Exposes Diplomatic Setback at G-20 Tourism Conference in Kashmir
China, another influential G-20 member, strongly opposed holding any meetings in disputed territories and declared its refusal to attend. China had previously boycotted a science-related G-20 meeting in Arunachal Pradesh, a region it claims as Southern Tibet.
Adding to India’s challenges, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, Professor Fernand de Vareness, criticized the decision to hold the summit events in Kashmir. Professor de Vareness drew attention to the ongoing human rights violations, arbitrary arrests, political persecution, suppression of free media, and escalating tensions in the region. He argued that the G-20 inadvertently provided legitimacy to a false narrative of normalcy.
India received another blow when five crucial countries—Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Egypt, Oman, and Turkey—declined to attend the meeting at the last minute.
Renowned American philosopher, linguist, and political analyst Noam Chomsky joined the chorus of condemnation, describing the decision to hold any meeting in the occupied and troubled region of Kashmir as unconscionable. Chomsky’s video message urging G-20 countries to boycott the meeting gained substantial global attention.
India received another blow when five crucial countries—Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Egypt, Oman, and Turkey—declined to attend the meeting at the last minute. This development sent shockwaves throughout Indian political and diplomatic circles, further undermining India’s efforts to portray Kashmir as an internal matter.
India’s intention to host the meeting in Jammu and Kashmir aimed to showcase the region’s tourism potential and signal stability and normalcy. However, the decision by key countries to abstain from the conference clearly indicated their reluctance to be embroiled in the controversy surrounding Kashmir, a disputed territory in their eyes. The lackluster response from other G-20 nations dealt a severe blow to India’s aspirations, resulting in the failure to achieve desired outcomes.
Ultimately, the G-20 meeting in Srinagar proved to be a significant diplomatic setback for India. The Modi government’s attempts to manipulate and mislead G-20 member states in order to legitimize its illegal annexation of the internationally designated disputed zone were unsuccessful. Media coverage of the summit events in Kashmir, both domestically and internationally, exposed India’s claims of normalcy. Independent sources from the Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir region reported efforts to embellish development in Srinagar and other areas, aiming to project a façade of progress in the region.
As the G-20 meeting concludes, India faces the reality that its objectives to portray Kashmir as an internal matter and gain international support have been undermined. The diplomatic fallout from this event serves as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the Kashmir dispute, highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution.
About KIIR:
- KIIR has been working on various levels, which include organizing conflict analysis workshops capacity building training, and leadership level dialogues. Drawing upon various faith-based traditions to promote consensus with regards to peace-building at the grass root level, KIIR works to:
- Develop a cadre of next-generation Kashmiri leaders who are committed to transforming the political, social and spiritual dynamics of the region through faith-based reconciliation;
- Build momentum for peace on an incremental basis; first by working with the individual partiesto the conflict and, laterby working with them collectively after establishing a corporative attitude.
