AYUB ALI
SRINAGAR G20, a platform formulated on the notion to stabilize the world economy, is on a path where it might prove to be a plutocracy. The top 20 economic giants usually meet once in a year to address financial issues. However, the group has expanded its agenda that include trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, etc. With no permanent headquarter, its presidency is given on a rotatory basis. India, which assumed the group’s presidency last year, is set to host the G20 leaders’ annual summit this year. Prior to the summit, a complete schedule regarding the series of events being held in different Indian cities has been released. New Delhi has also announced Srinagar-the capital of Indian occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir- as the venue for the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting scheduled to take place from May 22 to 24. The contentious move to hold summit events in the UN recognised disputed territory has raised alarms across the world. Along with China, two significant stakeholders including Pakistan and the people of Kashmir have strongly condemned the move and termed it as a violation of international law.
Pakistan foreign office while condemning the move said, “India’s irresponsible move is the latest in a series of self-serving measures to perpetuate its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir in sheer disregard of the United Nations Security Council resolutions and in violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law”.