Despite the security situation, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) remains a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination. India’s decision to focus on this long-standing security issue, which has global implications, was likely to be seen as politically charged and elicit a politicised response.
Source: ABP Live- ABP News
As a result, as was to be expected, a few nations made the decision to abstain, China being the most notable. Despite the fact that 29 delegations were present, including China, the G20 member nations Turkey and Saudi Arabia, as well as guest countries Oman and Egypt, were not present. An embassy official from Indonesia was sent.
Given that India has friendly relations with the latter four nations, it is debatable whether or not its decisionu2014which was both legal and legitimateu2014has been beneficial to India. After all, not even Egypt participated in the Republic Day parade this year, despite having a guest president. India was adamant about moving forward despite a potential terror danger, demonstrating its conviction that promoting Srinagar would be advantageous overall.
Its choice of location implied a reassertion of Indian sovereignty. India was adamant that no one would have the power to veto its sovereign rights or prevent it from being exercised. On the security front, Pakistan took advantage of the opportunity by having its proxy groups carry out terrorist strikes in areas south of the Pir Panjals where the security grid is comparatively lax. To avoid accusations of terrorism, it was careful to target the military and employed local groups as fronts closer to the event.
The cancellation of the delegates’ two out-of-Srinagar tripsu2014to the Dachigam sanctuary and Gulmargu2014indicates that instability exists in the Valley, a fact that could not have missed the delegates’ notice. Even while India may have wanted to portray a picture of relative calm, guests are likely to leave with the idea that there are still issues in J&K. The substantial security measures India has in place serve as a clue that the resulting seeming normality is really a fau00e7ade. This suggests that India’s efforts to finish integrating J&K through revision of Article 370 are still ongoing.
Source: The Print
In terms of diplomacy, Pakistan, which has been refusing to interact with India since taking offence at the relaxation of Article 370, would probably take advantage of the chance. China’s stance on the matter, which was largely formed in light of its relationship with Pakistan, would need to take into account the new realities in Pakistani reconciliation. Even while the Ladakh factor is still important in terms of China, the J&K problem might not be directly related to it.
Elections may be held during the summer since all the necessary components are already in place, including the delineation of seats and a Pakistan that is internally troubled. The UN Rapporteur on Minority Issues voiced concerns that India was attempting to instrumentalize the meeting in order to show a fau00e7ade of normalcy, and this is the best method to allay such concerns.
By the time of the G20 Summit in early September, a return to democratic government in J&K would solidify India’s reputation as the Mother of Democracy.
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