China won't attend G20 meet 'in disputed J&K'. India's firm, powerful response

Beijing had earlier announced skipping the G20 tourism working group meeting in Kashmir.

Updated on: May 20, 2023, 13:50:34 IST

By HT News Desk

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India has given a stern response to China after it opposed the holding of G20 tourism working group meeting in Kashmir, saying it is free to hold meetings on its own territory. It further added that peace and tranquility on its border is essential for normal ties with the neighbouring nation.

An Indian paramilitary soldier stands guard in Srinagar. (AP)

China had earlier boycotted the G20 meeting in Srinagar opposing the holding it on a ‘disputed territory’. "China firmly opposes holding any form of G20 meetings on disputed territory. We will not attend such meetings," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference amid reports of skipping the meeting. Meanwhile, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have not registered for the event.

The meeting, billed as one of the largest international events organised in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, will be held from May 22 to 24. India had earlier dismissed objections from Pakistan over the holding of G20 meetings in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, saying such events are being organised in all states and Union Territories ahead of the summit in New Delhi in September.

"We have consistently rejected such statements and all parties concerned are well aware of our clear position on these matters. The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh are and always will be integral and inalienable parts of India. No other country has a locus standi to comment on the same," the Ministry of External Affairs has commented before on comments by Pakistan and China.

Display of handicraft and arts of Kashmir and several cultural events have been lined up in the event which will be held at Sher-e-Kashmir International Conventional Centre (SKICC) on the banks of the famous Dal Lake.

“The main event will be held at SKICC on May 22 and 23. We are expecting more than 100 delegates of the G20 states and guest countries,” a senior official had said earlier.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More