By: Dr Adil Rasool Malik
It is a matter of pride and honour for India to be hosting the G20 summit in 2023, for the very first time. The G20 is a leading inter-governmental forum which brings together 19 of the world’s systemically important, developing and largest economies along with the European Union to address vital issues related to world economy, development, climate change mitigation, fighting terrorism etc. across the globe. India has been a member of the G20 ever since it came into existence in 1999 and has been represented under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at all G20 summits for the last eight years. Considering the rekindling of the Kashmir tourism sector in the last one year and the interest shown by the international capitalists to invest in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government has finalised to hold this prestigious event in the union territory.
Having chosen the scenic valley of Jammu and Kashmir as the venue for some sessions, would serve as a major setback for Pakistan, as it has strongly opposed this move of India by stating that the union territory is already a globally acknowledged disputed land. Pakistan’s stand on this should make the people of Kashmir realise who they belong to and also who is working towards upliftment in their region.
Holding this estimable event in the valley of Jammu and Kashmir would pass across a message to the outside world that the law and order situation in the union territory is transforming for better. A common man in Kashmir has realised that no power on earth can bring development in a place, if it lacks peace and harmony. With UAE playing a major role in the development of J&K, indicates the world that the formerly known for all the bad reasons will soon relive it’s true name as “the crown of India”. Investments in thousands of crores in the sectors of real estate, tourism, healthcare, infrastructure etc have already begun in J&K, giving another indication about the normalcy returning back, as no investor would like to put in such large capital in a disputed land.
A committee of bureaucrats has been constituted by the government of J&K and the overall coordination of the meets would be under the presidency of principal Secretary housing and urban development, Dheeraj Gupta. As G20 members represent more than 80% of international gross domestic product, 75% of global trade, two thirds of the world’s population and 80% of investment in the research and development sector, India’s leadership could throw light on global issues in multilateral fora. India could contribute to combat terrorism across the world by adding its IT infrastructure to oppose digital terrorism and this would also help in creating employment for the use in the field of cyber security.
Unanimous global concern of financial crisis across the world has been triggered post covid 19 pandemic, the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war which has ended up being a conflict between Russia and the West. Enjoying cordial relations with both countries, India under its G20 presidency can play a significant role in putting an end to the dispute. India’s “go local policy” along with the “make in India” initiative can also be crucial in filling the trade gaps caused after India’s GSP status was withdrawn by former US President Donald Trump, which has been a cause of concern for the Indian traders.
By leading some sessions of the G20 summit, India can play a strategic part in securing the future of not only Jammu and Kashmir but even the Country and the world . Due to the shift in focus in the last few years towards the southern countries, India with its entrepreneurship, human capital, diplomatic and democratic influence has the potential and strength to turn the tables on the international platform and emerge as a global leader.
The global markets are already viewing Indian markets very lucrative for the coming 10 years and hence India should utilise this opportunity to increase its competitiveness and ease of doing business to gain maximum benefits. It is high time for India to raise the voice of 1.3 billion people in favour of a transparent new economic order, for fostering the social well-being of people and building a prosperous economy. Most importantly viewing the present times when there are frequent nuclear war threats given by Moscow and with China establishing its benchmark to increase its nuclear arsenal three times within the next eight years, there is a dire need for total disarmament to make a nuclear free world.No other country other than India in its G20 leadership would be able to achieve this goal better. And this could only be attained by the cooperation and coordination of all member countries namely Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.
The central government’s decision to opt for J&K as the summit’s venue should open up a new world for the natives of the region, as now they are completely aware of who their well-wisher is. Now they have accepted the reality that they fully belong to India. No one living there wants the agony of the era of bloodshed to return. By the end of India’s G 20 presidency, we can expect a complete revival of Kashmir’s ecosystem and economy.
Author is a Doctor and actively engaged in positive perception management of various political and social issues. drmalikadil@gmail.com & twitter @drmalikadil
