G20: Kashmir Awaits Economic Boost

KM Desk
The Kashmir valley has witnessed an unprecedented rise in tourism in recent years, owing it its scenic beauty and the culture of the region. However, the people of Kashmir have always hoped for more.
With the news of a G20 tourism working group meeting to be held between May 22 and 24 in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, the people of the region are ecstatic. They hope that the meeting will bring about more employment opportunities and help in the development of the region. The G20 meeting is a platform for the world's largest economies to come together and discuss important issues that affect the global economy. The member countries of the G20 contribute to more than 80 per cent of the world's GDP, and their decisions have a significant impact on the world economy. The decision to hold the meeting in Srinagar is a testament to the potential of the region and the people’s resilience in the face of adversity.
The people of Kashmir have always been known for their hospitality and warmth, and they are ready to welcome the delegates from the G20 countries with open arms. The government of Jammu and Kashmir has been working tirelessly to ensure that the meeting goes smoothly, and the delegates have a comfortable stay. One of the biggest issues that the people of Kashmir face is unemployment.
The region has a high literacy rate, but the lack of job opportunities has forced many people to migrate to other parts of the country in search of work. The people of Kashmir hope that the G20 meeting will bring about more investment in the region, which will create more job opportunities for the local people.
The region has immense potential for tourism, and the people of Kashmir have been working hard to showcase their culture and hospitality to the world. The G20 meet will be an excellent opportunity for the delegates to experience the beauty of the region and witness the rich culture of the Kashmiri people. The region has some of the most beautiful lakes, gardens, and mountains in the world and the people of Kashmir are ready to show them off to the world.
The G20 meet will also be an opportunity for the people of Kashmir to showcase their talent and skills. The region has a rich tradition of handicrafts, and the local artisans are known for their intricate work. The delegates will have an opportunity to see some of the most beautiful handicrafts in the world and appreciate the hard work that goes into making them.
“G20 can play a role in promoting economic development in the region, which could potentially help improve the situation in Kashmir. The G20 could encourage investment in the region, promote trade, and support infrastructure development, all of which could help create new economic opportunities in Kashmir,” Mir Tajamul Islam, a law student from south Kashmir’s Pulwama said.
“G20 could potentially play a role in supporting economic development in the region, which could be a step towards a more stable and prosperous future for Kashmir,” Tajamul added.
The people of Kashmir have been through a lot in the past few decades. The region has witnessed violence, political instability, and economic hardship. However, the people of Kashmir have always remained resilient and hopeful. The decision to hold the G20 meet in Srinagar is a testament to the potential of the region and the people’s resilience. The people of Kashmir hope that the G20 meet will be a turning point for the region.
They hope that the meeting will bring about more investment in the region, create more job opportunities, and help in the development of the region. The people of Kashmir are ready to welcome the delegates from the G20 countries and show them the warmth and hospitality that the region is known for.
Bilal Ahmad Dar, hailing from the bordering area of North Kashmir's district Baramulla said that G20 is a critical forum for international cooperation, bringing together the world’s major economies and driving collective action to address global challenges. I believe the G20 meeting in Kashmir will create a positive environment for tourism promotion, economic development, and humanitarian assistance, which can have a positive impact on the region. “It will promote economic development in the region, which can in turn help alleviate some of the socio-economic grievances”.
“The decision to hold the G20 meet in Srinagar has given the people of Kashmir a reason to hope. The meeting will bring about more investment opportunities in the region, create more job opportunities, and help in the development of the region. The people of Kashmir are ready to welcome the delegates from the G20 countries and show them the beauty and hospitality of the region,” Bilal added.
The G20 summit in Kashmir showcases the region’s great progress over the last few years. It will also trigger a virtuous economic cycle of greater investment, growth and employment generation, which will benefit the region as a whole and the youth in particular.
The Group of Twenty (G20) is now “the premier forum for international economic cooperation.” The G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union. Founded in 1999 and upgraded after the 2007-08 financial crisis. “It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.”
Most in the US and many in the West are unaware that India holds the presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023. This is a matter of great importance for a diverse democracy of over 1.4 billion people. Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has rightly argued that “India is uniquely positioned to bring countries together.”
In 2023, India stands as an engine of global growth. As per Georgieva, “In a world facing multiple challenges and rising geopolitical tensions, this leadership is critical—and beautifully captured in the theme of India’s G20 presidency: One Earth, One Family, One Future.” One earth means conserving the planet; one family means protecting the vulnerable; and one future means ensuring everyone can prosper.
G20 Summit Showcases Kashmir’s Progress
For Kashmiris, hosting the G20 summit is a matter of great pride. Kashmir Valley can showcase its stunning beauty, its rich culture and extraordinary tourism potential to the rest of the world. In particular, young people are excited to be the center of world attention in a positive manner, and they relish the idea of engaging with world leaders and top thinkers.
Beyond momentary engagement, Kashmiris see the G20 summit as a milestone on the path of economic development. In the past, Kashmir was linked to troubled hotspots in the world such as Palestine and Chechnya, but the situation has grossly changed and peaceful. Kashmir is now largely peaceful, has an educated population and grew by 14.64% in the 2021-22 Fiscal Year when many economies were reeling from COVID-19. Note that India’s fiscal year begins on 1 April and ends on 31 March. Growth in the 2022-23 Fiscal Year is expected to be higher. Kashmiris want the jobs and prosperity, not to mention momentum for peace that growth will bring.
The G20 summit has been a godsend to Kashmir Valley. To prepare for the event, New Delhi is building infrastructure, investing significant sums and training local people. The multiplier effect of the summit is likely to be significant. People now forget that Delhi was a sleepy provincial city before the 1982 Asian Games. That event converted Delhi into a national engine of growth, and it is hoped the G20 summit will similarly transform Srinagar. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) have rightly said that this event “will give a massive boost to the economy of the region.”
The G20 summit is a global signal that Kashmir is open for business. It will be a great advertisement for tourism, which was a driver of the Kashmiri economy before troubles broke out in 1989. Kashmir is famous for its snow-clad mountains, pine trees, lakes, landscapes, saffron fields and exquisite gardens. It is home to sophisticated cuisine, refined crafts and rich culture. For good reason, it has been called the Switzerland of India. Now it will have an opportunity to achieve its tourism and economic potential.
Once the G20 summit ends and tourism takes off, it will amplify the earlier-stated multiplier effect and generate jobs. These new jobs will lead to higher consumption. In turn, this will boost business confidence and lead to greater investment.
Home Secy, IB chief visit Kashmir, review security
Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka visited Kashmir prior to G20 meeting, to review the security preparation for the summit.
The high-level delegation took stock of the security preparation for the G20 meeting for which international delegates will be in the Valley from May 22 to 24. Security of the G20 meeting is a top priority for the government for which all possible steps are being taken, the sources said.
Bhalla and Deka met top functionaries of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, police, army and other security agencies and reviewed the security arrangements, they said. The G20 delegates are expected to visit Gulmarg and a few other tourist places besides Srinagar as part of the meeting.
The recent two major militant attacks in Rajouri and Poonch have given clear signals that those elements which are inimical to the nation may try to disrupt the coming G20 meeting, the sources said. NSG commandos are likely to protect the places where the international delegates will visit, while Indian Navy’s Marcos commandos are expected to be deployed in Dal Lake and other water bodies in the valley, they said.
Security beefed up across Kashmir
Security has been beefed up in Kashmir across ahead of a G20 meet in the valley later this month, in view of three back-to-back encounters with militants in which five militants were killed.
Additional security personnel have been deployed on the ground and drones are being used for aerial surveillance, officials said.
Sniffer dogs are assisting security personnel in checking vehicles at various checkpoints established to prevent the movement of militants or explosives, they said.
The officials said the security apparatus has been put on a heightened alert as Kashmir will host the third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting later this month.
North Kashmir has witnessed three back-to-back encounters between security forces and militants in the recent past days, in which five militants were killed.
Three of these five militants were hailing from south Kashmir. Their presence in north Kashmir, close to Gulmarg tourist resort, has given rise to apprehensions about the possibility of a major militant strike in the valley, the officials held.
Police officials said the forces were alert to thwart any possible plan of militants to carry out attacks in the run-up to the event.
A top police official said the intelligence grid was working very hard and the forces have been able to neutralize the threats.
“Our forces are on alert for the summit. Our intelligence agencies are also working hard, our network is very strong. So, we are getting timely information of all the suspicious activities in the area,” he said.
The top police official said the security agencies are confident that the summit will pass off peacefully and successfully “because of our preparedness”.
He said the security forces have been able to neutralize the threats as there is a complete synergy among various agencies.
The first of these back-to-back encounters in north Kashmir took place on May 3, as the forces foiled an infiltration bid near the Line of Control (LoC) in Machil sector, in which two militants were killed.
On May 4 this year, two militants were killed in an encounter in Wanigam Payeen Kreeri area of Baramulla district.
A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant was killed in an encounter in Karhama Kunzer area of Baramulla on May 6.
While there was a brief lull with no gunfights in the valley over the past few weeks, May 3, 2023 encounter took place a day after Additional Director General of Police of Kashmir Vijay Kumar had chaired a joint meeting with the officers of police, intelligence agencies and security forces to discuss overall security arrangements for the G20 event.
During the meeting, all SSPs were instructed to conduct anti-terrorist operations on specific inputs. The officials were also instructed to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies to gather information about any potential security threats and take necessary actions to neutralize them.
While reviewing the security arrangements for the G20 event, the ADGP emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to ensure fool proof security for the summit.
The officials also discussed the deployment of security personnel, traffic management, and crowd control measures to be adopted for the peaceful conduct of the summit.
The meeting focused on the deployment of security personnel, counter-drone measures and other critical aspects of security planning.
He directed the officials to ensure that the security arrangements are put in place well before the summit, and the deployment of security personnel should be done in a manner that does not cause inconvenience to the local residents and tourists.
The ADGP emphasized the need to be vigilant and take pre-emptive measures to prevent any untoward incident during the summit.
The ADGP also stressed the importance of river and lake domination in ensuring the security of the summit. He also emphasized the need for the Marine Commandos (MARCOS) to be put in place to provide a strong security cover for the water bodies around the summit venues.
He said that an NSG team will be used for counter any fidayeen attack along with the Special Operations Group – the counter-militancy unit of J-K Police. Specialized NSG teams will be deployed at all venues to check drone activities, he added.
G20 igniting socio-economic growth in Kashmir
The prospect of hosting a G20 summit in Jammu and Kashmir presents unparalleled opportunities for the region, instilling hope for renewed stability and prosperity.
The G20, an international forum comprising of 20 major economies, focuses on policy discussions and financial stability. The G20 countries, which are the world's largest economies, collectively account for a significant share of the world economy. According to the World Bank data for the year 2020, the G20 countries had a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately USD 82.8 trillion, which represents around 74 per cent of the world's total GDP of approximately USD 111.6 trillion.
Such a high-profile occasion could usher in a host of long-term benefits that could potentially transform Jammu and Kashmir's socioeconomic landscape. Indeed, the impending G20 summit in Jammu and Kashmir represents a momentous opportunity for the world to witness the unparalleled magnificence and potential of this stunningly beautiful region, replete with opulent cultural heritage, strategic location, and pristine natural environs.
It is imperative for the region to prioritize impressive investments such as infrastructure expansion, healthcare, education, and skill development to crystallize this vision. This sensational summit represents an unprecedented moment for the region; an opportunity to leverage strategic alliances and partnerships, harness global attention and advance towards self-sustaining economic growth, attracting foreign investment, and paving the way for fresh and exciting opportunities for the local population.
Hosting the G20 summit will position Jammu and Kashmir at the heart of diplomatic relations and foster cooperation. Delegates will gain first-hand knowledge of the region, providing valuable insights into the challenges and growth potential. The summit will provide a platform for Jammu and Kashmir to showcase its resources and potential, establishing connections that can bolster sustainable development.
In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir have grappled with political and security concerns. The G20 summit will act as a catalyst for greater stability and peace by fostering mutual understanding among the participating countries. The gathering of international leaders in the region is a paradigm-shifting opportunity to influence policies that could lead to lasting peace and stability in the region.
Furthermore, the summit represents a unique and unparalleled opportunity for promoting harmony and stability throughout the region. Policy dialogues among international leaders could very well usher in an era of lasting peace, guiding the region towards sustainable development. Investing in healthcare, education, and skill development would empower the local population with the necessary knowledge and expertise to exploit the opportunities arising from the summit, enhancing their well-being and augmenting economic growth and social development.
The region can leverage the event's global reach, raising its profile and attracting investment, catalyzing growth. According to the World Trade Tourism Council, the tourism industry's contribution to India's GDP is expected to be USD 460 billion by 2029. Jammu and Kashmir's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive tourist destination, and the summit provides the perfect opportunity to promote it as such.
The democratic nature of the G20 summit, which places a strong focus on free discussion and a diversity of viewpoints, can result in more well-informed decisions and solutions to economic problems. Additionally, making investments in the region can promote economic expansion and development, ultimately resulting in a better future for all.
The G20 summit will offer a chance for world leaders to get together and talk about the best ways to invest in the region and encourage the expansion of economies. By making investments in the region, the G20 can contribute to job creation, increased access to healthcare and education, and social stability--all of which are essential for establishing a more prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. It will certainly promote a constructive and cooperative climate that will lead to a brighter future for all.
The G20 summit in Jammu and Kashmir promises to initiate a tidal wave of transformative outcomes, setting the region on a new trajectory towards stability, economic growth, and social development. As Brazilian author Paulo Coelho once wrote, “When you want something, the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
If Jammu and Kashmir seizes this opportunity with determination and conviction, the G20 summit could prove to be a momentous turning point in the region's history, offering a unique chance for an enduring and sustainable transformation. The region must not let this moment slip by and must prioritize investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and skill development. In doing so, Jammu and Kashmir can unlock their true potential, advance self-sustaining economic growth, and promote global harmony and stability, thereby setting a magnificent and inspiring precedent for emulation by others.