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Modi to visit Italy for G7 summit

On his first overseas visit in the third term, Modi would join global leaders in attending the G7 summit, which will be held in in Italy’s Apulia from June 13-15…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Italy later this week, days after being sworn into office for a record third term on Sunday.

On his first overseas visit in the third term, Modi would join global leaders in attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit, which will be held in Borgo Egnazia (Fasano) in Italy’s Apulia from June 13-15. Modi is likely to reach the summit on June 14 for one day.

Notably, Italy and India elevated their bilateral relations to “strategic partnership” during the visit of Italian PM Giorgia Meloni to New Delhi in March 2023.

The G7 summit in Italy is one of the reasons why the guest list of international leaders for Modi’s swearing-in ceremony was kept compact.

Top leaders of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius, and Seychelles attended the swearing-in ceremony of Modi. The officials informed that this guest list was guided by New Delhi’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ which focuses on key island nations in the Indian Ocean region.

“Spoke with PM Giorgia Meloni and extended greetings as Italy celebrates its Liberation day today. Thanked her for the invite to the G7 summit in June. Discussed taking forward G20 India outcomes at the G7. Reaffirmed commitment to deepening our Strategic Partnership,” Modi said in a social media post on April 25.

The G7 summit is an informal international forum with Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US as its member nations. The president of the European Council and the president of the European Commission will also attend the event to represent the European Union.

Italy assumed the presidency of the forum on January 1 this year.

Notably, following the G7 summit’s conclusion, Switzerland is scheduled to host the Ukraine peace summit over the weekend, in which 90 countries and organisations (half from Europe) will participate to chart a path towards possible peace in Ukraine. However, India is unlikely to attend this summit, media reports said.

‘Modi may visit Nepal’

Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to look into the possibility of visiting Nepal after attending the G7 Summit in Italy.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu after attending PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in Delhi, Dahal, said at a press briefing on Monday that he extended an invitation to PM Modi for a visit to Nepal.

He said, “I extended invitation to Mr. (Narendra) Modi to visit Nepal. He responded positively, promising to visit in appropriate time. He also stated that he has to attend the G7 Summit meeting to be held in Italy. He also said that he might come to Nepal after returning from the summit.”

Notably, the G7 Summit will be held in Italy on June 13-15, 2024. The event will bring together the Leaders of the seven-member States, as well as the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission representing the European Union.

Dahal held a brief meeting with PM Modi after his swearing-in ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday evening. At the invitation of the Indian PM, Dahal on Sunday had travelled to Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of their Indian counterpart.

During the meeting, Dahal congratulated PM Modi and conveyed his optimism regarding the trajectory of the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

“Had a meeting with Shri @narendramodi ji. I congratulated him on his third consecutive term as Prime Minister of India. We discussed ways to further enhance Nepal-India relations. I am confident that our multifaceted relations with India will prosper under his leadership,” Nepal PM posted on X.

Minister for External Affairs, S Jaishankar also called upon Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ during his two-day visit to Nepal.

Sharing details regarding his meeting with Jaishankar, Dahal stated that the issues of boundaries and revitalization of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) were discussed with the External Affairs Minister.

Nepal PM said, “While holding the delegation level talks with Mr (S Jaishankar), I raised topics about revitalization of SAARC to the border issues and other trade-related issues and mechanisms which exists in between two nations. I focused on reviving of those mechanisms and start the dialogues to resolve all the issues. I raised these issues while having meeting with Prime Minister Modi during yesterday’s (9 June) meeting and this morning (10 June) while holding talks with Mr (S) Jaishankar, all the mechanisms, including the SAARC should be revived, and start dialogue over the issues. In this relation, there was positive response from the Prime Minister as well as the External Affairs Minister.”

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90 countries, organisations signed up for Ukraine summit   

The G7, running from Thursday to Saturday, will look at ways to use frozen Russian assets to provide fresh aid to Ukraine, invaded by Russia in February 2022…reports Asian Lite News

Ninety states and organizations have so far registered to take part in a summit aiming to pave the way for peace in Ukraine that Switzerland will host from June 15-16, the Swiss government said on Monday.

Russia has not been invited to the summit, but the government said in a statement that the gathering will aim to “jointly define a roadmap” on how to involve both it and Ukraine in a future peace process.

World leaders will gather in Switzerland this weekend to try to lay out a roadmap for an eventual peace process for Ukraine — albeit without Russia.

The gathering at the luxury Burgenstock resort, on a mountain ridge overlooking Lake Lucerne, comes immediately after the G7 summit in southern Italy, during which the wealthy democracies will also discuss Ukraine in the presence of its president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

The G7, running from Thursday to Saturday, will look at ways to use frozen Russian assets to provide fresh aid to Ukraine, invaded by Russia in February 2022.

Zelensky will then head to Switzerland, to be joined by G7 and other leaders on Saturday and Sunday for what is being billed as the first “Summit on Peace in Ukraine.”

“We would like to have a very broad process with a view to lasting, just peace in Ukraine,” Swiss President Viola Amherd told a press conference in Bern on Monday.

She said the event would lay the groundwork “for a future peace summit that would involve Russia.”

“The conference will focus on topics of global interest — nuclear security, food security and humanitarian aspects,” she added.

Switzerland invited more than 160 delegations, representing countries and international organizations.

Amherd said more than 90 confirmations had been received so far — around half from European nations — with about 50 percent of countries represented by their heads of state or government.

Attendees include French President Emmanuel Macron, US Vice President Kamala Harris, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Organized at Ukraine’s request, the outcome of the summit remains uncertain, though Switzerland is hoping to secure a joint final declaration.

“We need to do everything we can to bring an end to this violence,” Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis told the press conference.

“At the end of this road there is not just world stability and safety but also the end of suffering for millions of victims,” he said.

The program, sculpted by Bern, draws on a 10-point peace plan presented by Zelensky in late 2022. Ukraine hopes to gain broad international support for its conditions to end the war.

ALSO READ-Biden pledges continued Ukraine support

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El Gouna to Host Second Forbes Under 30 Summit

Forbes Middle East's second Under 30 Summit in El Gouna. The summit is set to take place from January 11-14, 2024, at the El Gouna Conference and Culture Center. Image courtesy: Forbes Middle East

The Forbes Middle East Under 30 El Gouna 2024 promises to be a landmark event, empowering the next generation of leaders, fostering creativity and innovation, and celebrating the achievements of young visionaries across the Middle East…reports Asian Lite News

More than 1,000 participants will gather in El Gouna along the Red Sea coastline in Egypt to celebrate the Forbes Under 30 community.

The ground-breaking event will showcase influential speakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from across the Middle East and the wider world.

El Gouna, Egypt says, ” Plans are underway for Forbes Middle East’s second Under 30 Summit in El Gouna. The summit is set to take place from January 11-14, 2024, at the El Gouna Conference and Culture Center, with the fully integrated sustainable town by Orascom Development by the Red Sea in Egypt once again hosting young talent, disruptors and innovators from across the region, offering speakers and attendees an entertaining and enlightening four-day experience.

Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, expressed her enthusiasm for the summit and the collaboration with El Gouna, stating, “Forbes Middle East is committed to recognizing and nurturing young talent in the region. Our partnership with El Gouna by Orascom Development and the support of Visa, VIMarktes, and Prypco will ensure that the Forbes Middle East Under 30 El Gouna remains a platform for innovation and inspiration.”

“We are delighted to embark on the second edition of Forbes Middle East Under 30, with El Gouna once again serving as the host to Arab and international youth from all corners, solidifying its position as a multifaceted youth destination for business, leisure, and living,” said Mohamed Amer, CEO of El Gouna. “Anticipation is high for this significant event that unites a select group of Egypt and the Arab World’s young talent. This summit holds immense importance for us, as it aligns with our aim of bolstering El Gouna’s position as the nexus for business professionals, SMEs, and entrepreneurs in the region, offering a special coastal lifestyle experience not found elsewhere.”

The summit will be chaired by Emirati serial entrepreneur and interviewer Anas Bukhash, widely recognized for hosting his popular podcast show #ABtalks. He is a renowned promotor of personal growth and awareness in the Arab region and is committed to leading and empowering the next generation, serving as an inspirational figure to support their aspirations.

“It is a pleasure to be chosen to chair the Forbes Middle East’s Under 30 in ElGouna. This youth summit serves as a pivotal platform that unites the leaders of tomorrow, providing them with a space for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of groundbreaking ideas,” said Bukhash. “I am very happy to be collaborating with Forbes, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you all to El Gouna as we come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our youth.”

The Forbes Middle East Under 30 Summit will feature an exciting array of inspiring speakers who will be sharing their expertise and insights, including: filmmaker and actress Zeina Makki; Senior Vice President & Group Country Manager at NALP, Visa, Leila Serhan; content creator Mohanad Hattab;  Founder and CEO Of Prypco, Amira Sajwani; Head of Design for APAC and AMESA at Pepsico, Gianmauro Vella; lyricist, writer, and creative director, Menna Elkeiy; comedians Saudi Reporters; TV host Sherif Fayed; influencer Narin’s Beauty; TV presenter Ramy Radwan; and YouTuber Ghaith Marwan.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting announcements as we approach this historic event.

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Biden, Xi Stress Open Communication to Avoid Conflict in Summit Talks

Biden meets Xi for the first time after taking charge

Several top-level visits were exchanged between the two sides, leading up to the leaders’ summit in San Francisco…reports Asian Lite News

 US President Joe Biden told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Wednesday that they should keep their communications lines open and get to understand each other so as “to ensure that competition (between their countries) does not veer into conflict” while the Chinese President reiterated his opposition to describing the relationship as competition saying it “is not the prevailing trend of current times”.

The Chinese leader went on to warn that conflict and confrontation between the two countries will have “unbearable consequences” for both sides.

Biden hosted Xi at a mansion outside San Francisco where they are for the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. This was their first meeting in more than a year; they last met in Bali, Indonesia in September 2022 on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Ties between the two countries have been on a rollercoaster ride since, hitting a new low in June when a Chinese spy balloon entered US airspace and wafted across the American mainland till it was shot down by the US Air Force over the Atlantic Ocean.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had postponed his visit to Beijing in protest and communications between the two sides plummeted even further. Beijing had snapped the military-to-military communication in August 2022 in anger over then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.

The Biden administration had been pressing the Chinese to reopen communications arguing, as the President reiterated to his Chinese counterpart, that the two sides need to talk to prevent a conflict of miscommunication or the failure to understand each other. Several top-level visits were exchanged between the two sides, leading up to the leaders’ summit in San Francisco.

“I value our conversation because I think it’s paramount that we understand each other clearly, leader to leader with no misconceptions or miscommunication,” Biden said to Xi as they sat across a table with their delegations ahead of the talks. “We have to ensure that competition does not veer into conflict. And we also have to manage responsibly the competition.”

The Biden administration had framed the relationship with China as competition between two of the world’s largest economies and has announced major investments into equipping the United States for it, which includes preventing the export of critical components in the high-tech sector to China. The administration further defines its policy towards China as managing this competition.

The first step towards that goal is keeping the lines of communication open. 

Biden has been a long-time believer in personal meetings and interfaces with world leaders and his appeal to Xi on Wednesday to develop a “leader-to-leader” understanding was a piece of that framework.

Xi pushed back in his opening remarks. “The China-US relationship has never been smooth sailing over the past 50 years or more, and it always faces problems of one kind or another,” he said, speaking through a translator. 

“Yet it has kept moving forward amid twists and turns. For two large countries like China and the United States. turning their back on each other is not an option. It is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other, and conflict and confrontation have unbearable consequences for both sides.”

He added: “‘I am still of the view that major country competition is not to the prevailing trend of current times and cannot solve the problems facing China and the United States or the world at large. Planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed.”

US officials have kept expectations from the visit low, highlighting essentially the need for the two countries to agree to keep talking and keep open the lines of communications — especially the military-to-military lines. They have also expressed the hope to discuss trade in Fentanyl. Chinese versions of these painkillers are flooding the US market, leading to high levels of dependence and addiction.

The Chinese side could be looking for some respite or concessions on the economy. The Chinese economy is struggling with record youth unemployment, a deepening crisis in the real estate sector and increasing export controls on high-tech components and growing reluctance on the part of international investors to go to China.

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Biden Prepares for Summit with Xi

Asked about how he would define success with the upcoming summit with Xi, Biden said it would mean the normalization of bilateral communication…reports Asian Lite News

President Joe Biden has said that the US is not trying to “decouple” from China, but pursuing better relations with its assertive rival, as he prepares for a summit with the Chinese leader this week.

Biden’s remarks on Tuesday apparently set an amicable tone ahead of the summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping slated to take place in San Francisco on Wednesday on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, Yonhap news agency reported.

“As I told you, we are not trying to decouple from China,” he said during a press conference on efforts to address climate change. “What we are trying to do is change the relationship for the better.”

Asked about how he would define success with the upcoming summit with Xi, Biden said it would mean the normalization of bilateral communication.

“Get back on a normal course of corresponding, being able to pick up the phone and talk to one another in a crisis, being able to make sure our militaries still have contact with one another,” he said in response to the question.

But Biden staked out his position against China’s trade practices.

“I am not going to continue to sustain the support for positions where if we want to invest in China, we have to turn over all of our trade secrets,” he said.

In recent months, Washington has been hammering away at the mantra of “de-risking” the relationship with Beijing as it is striving to elicit international cooperation on climate change, public health, global security threats and other challenges.

US officials have said that Biden and Xi are expected to discuss a “whole range” of issues, including bilateral relations, North Korean threats, Taiwan, the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group, and Russia’s protracted war in Ukraine, according to them.

This week’s meeting between the leaders will be their second in-person summit following their last talks during the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November. It will also mark their seventh interaction since Biden took office in January 2021.

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International Climate Summit chief hails India’s climate vision

The Great Barrier Reef.(Photo :greatbarrierreef.org)

India has called for people’s participation and collective efforts in combating climate change…reports Asian Lite News

The Chairman of the International Climate Summit, Dr JP Gupta, on Thursday lauded India’s vision towards climate change mitigation and said India, in its G20 Presidency, has shown a new path.

India gave a new concept to not just ensure the transition from fossil fuels to renewables but also avoid consumption if possible at the same time, he said.

“So far the world is working on the replacement of fossil fuels but Prime Minister Modi added to this a new concept that a change in lifestyle should take place. Change in the use of fossil fuels alone will not help. We have to ensure that while changing fuel from fossils to renewables, we should avoid those energy consumptions that are avoidable,” Chairman Gupta said.

He was talking on the sidelines of the “3rd International Climate Summit 2023” organised by PHDCCI.

India has called for people’s participation and collective efforts in combating climate change. Addressing the World Bank Event on How Behavioral Change Can Tackle Climate Change PM Modi said climate change cannot be fought from conference rooms alone, must be fought at dinner table in every home.

He also said that under Mission LiFE, the government’s efforts are spread across many domains such as making local bodies environment-friendly, saving water, saving energy, reducing waste and e-waste, adopting healthy lifestyles, adopting natural farming, and promoting millets.

A Global call for Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) was given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while delivering India’s National Statement, at CoP26, held in Glasgow in October-November, 2021. Subsequently, Mission LiFE was launched by PM Modi on 20 October 2022.

The idea of LiFE promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle that focuses on ‘mindful and deliberate utilisation’ instead of ‘mindless and wasteful consumption. It is a global effort dedicated to improving human sustainability and environmental protection. It aims to bring positive change in the environment by collective action.

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South Korean Intelligence Monitors Kim-Putin Summit Plans

This file photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin shaking hands for a summit in Vladivostok on April 26, 2019.(Yonhap/IANS)

The New York Times report said a delegation of some 20 North Korean officials traveled to Vladivostok in late August…reports Asian Lite News

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may opt for an unexpected route when he travels to Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Earlier this week, The New York Times had reported that Kim plans to travel to Vladivostok, possibly by an armoured train, later this month for talks with Putin about the possibility of supplying Russia with more weaponry for its ongoing war in Ukraine and other military cooperation.

“As it was revealed to the New York Times, there is a possibility of Kim Jong-un making a surprise move by choosing a different route than what is expected,” Yonhap News Agency quoted an NIS official as saying during a parliamentary intelligence committee meeting on Thursday.

During the meeting, NIS Director Kim Kyou-hyun said the agency is closely monitoring the planned visit and sharing intelligence with other national spy agencies as a summit between the North and Russia would have a big effect on the international situation.

The New York Times report said a delegation of some 20 North Korean officials traveled to Vladivostok in late August.

“One potential stop for Mr. Kim after Vladivostok, an official said, is Vostochny Cosmodrome, a space launch centre,” said the report, noting North Korea may be seeking to secure advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines from Russia in exchange of its weapons.

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‘Summit an opportunity to showcase India’

In the fintech sector, the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) will also be demonstrated practically…reports Asian Lite News

The G20 Summit has provided India with an opportunity to showcase its diversity, legacy and digital public infrastructure, Chief Coordinator of India’s G20 Presidency, Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Wednesday.

“G20 Summit is an opportunity to showcase our diversity, legacy and development, and we will fully utilize this opportunity. At the G20 venue, there will be ‘Mother of Democracy’ exhibition, cultural corridors, where we will present our cutting-edge technologies, especially our digital public infrastructure. An innovation hub has been opened by RBI, A Digital India experience zone has also been opened, where initiatives like Aadhar, and UPI will be displayed. The e-Sanjeevani app will also be present at the delegate centre. This app can quickly arrange doctors and arrange medicines and treatment,” he said.

In the fintech sector, the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) will also be demonstrated practically.

“We have also opened a Crafts Bazaar, which will showcase ODOP and GI items from 30 states and UTs. All of this will be compatible with UPI and digital currency. During the dinner, traditional instrumental music will be performed, which will have representation from across the country, which will also be another important opportunity for us,” he added.

As India is known as the “Mother of Democracy”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aim was to expand the scope of G20 event beyond the confines of Delhi and the government has made comprehensive preparations across the country for hosting the Summit, he said.

By the end of India’s G20 Presidency, more than 220 meetings will have been hosted in various states and union territories across the country.

Speaking to ANI, Shringla said, “It’s the Prime Minister’s vision. His vision says that when we as the Mother of Democracy are hosting such a large event, which has never been hosted before, we need to take it beyond the confines of Delhi, to take it across the country. By the time, we finish the presidency, we would have held over 220 meetings in every State and Union Territory of the country”.

He said that taking the summit across the country makes every section of the citizen a partner and stakeholder in the G20 process, facilitates urban transformation and also gives confidence to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

“It makes every section of our citizenship, partner and stakeholder in the G20 process. They feel that it has come to our part of the country, so we are also part of the G20. It popularizes our message in the G20. In many senses, it facilitates urban transformation, it facilitates augmentation of capacity,” the chief coordinator said.

He added, “And most importantly, it gives confidence to these tier-2 and tier-3 cities, which have got minimal international exposure, into a sense that they can host other international events in the future. I think it’s a real game changer in many senses of the world”.

The Chief Coordinator further said that India has made all the necessary arrangements, well on time with a coordinated approach.

“We have made all the arrangements necessary for hosting such a mega event well on time. Planning and preparation for our G20 presidency started well before we took on this presidency. And it’s been a continuous process. We are also comforted by the fact that this is a whole-of-government approach led by the Prime Minister himself. It’s been a very coordinated approach. All government departments and agencies have been part of that endeavour. And in hosting the G20, of course, we work closely with the state governments, we have worked with municipalities, we work with partners and stakeholders across the country,” Shringla added.

India is all set to host the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi from September 9-10. World leaders will arrive in New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit. Notably, India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and about 200 meetings related to G20 were organized in 60 cities across the country.

The summit will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. (ANI)

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Hopes rise of Putin attending Sept G20 summit  

Moscow, Feb 21 (ANI): Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the Federal Assembly (Russia's two-chamber Parliament), in Moscow on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

In 2022, Putin had skipped the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, given the war in Ukraine and threats from Western leaders to boycott his appearance, and sent Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in his place…reports Asian Lite News

The G20 summit in India is one of the “most important” events for Moscow, said a senior Russian diplomat, indicating the possibility that Russian President Vladimir Putin could attend the summit, which would be the first time he would come face to face with western leaders since the war in Ukraine began, reported The Hindu.

Answering questions at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) weekly briefing, the MEA spokesperson too said that the government “looks forward to welcoming Putin” at the G20 summit in Delhi on September 9-10.

“As far as the G20 Summit is concerned, we take it as one of the most important events this year, and all preparations are going on. Usually, plans of the President are announced in due course,” said Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin, who is acting Ambassador at present, to The Hindu.

In 2022, Putin had skipped the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, given the war in Ukraine and threats from Western leaders to boycott his appearance, and sent Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in his place.

While Babushkin said that Russia was “determined to support the Indian Presidency to ensure the success of the G20 Summit”, the diplomat did not hold out hope that Russia and China would agree to the draft statement — which could result in a failure to issue a joint communique, a first in the G20 grouping’s history.

Ahead of next week’s G20 Sherpa meeting in Hampi, where top negotiators led by India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant will try to hammer out a consensus on a joint statement ahead of the Summit in September, Babushkin said that unless “all countries are on board” there can be no consensus. He claimed that Russia and China’s stand against including the Ukraine war in the text, was understood by the other 13 members of the G20.

When asked why Russia and China were holding up the consensus on the Delhi statement, given that they had signed on to similar paragraphs about Ukraine in last year’s G-20 Bali summit statement, the envoy said that that it was the Western States that were “undermining” India’s presidency by “politicising” the G20 that is meant to discuss economic issues.

“The Western choice for upscaling geopolitical tensions makes the so-called ‘Bali consensus’, which was a huge compromise from the Russian Side last year, even more irrelevant,” Babushkin replied. “This understanding is shared by all non-G7 members, although most of them prefer to keep quiet publicly….If [Western countries] want Ukraine to be part of the G20 agenda, then why not mention their infamous Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Syria and other campaigns [as well],” he asked.

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G20 Summit in Kashmir set to give massive fillip to tourism sector

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the real potential of the Union Territory to the world. It is not administration’s event but purely a people’s one,” the J-K LG said…reports Asian Lite News

From ensuring that 120 Smart City projects are completed on time to beefing up security, the administration in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) is working round-the-clock to ensure that the summit in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is a huge success and promotes Kashmir as a global tourism destination.

With sustainable and inclusive development initiatives taken by the Modi government, the citizens in Jammu and Kashmir believe that the event (G20 Tourism Working Group meeting) can serve as a power booster for the local economy and a progressive factor for the business community in the region to explore multidimensional growth opportunities. The tourism industry, which has played a crucial role in the development of UT. However, years of instability have impacted the tourism industry, leading to a decline in the number of visitors. Tourism players in Kashmir believe that the G20 Summit can attract investors and tourists from across the globe.

“Be it a local citizen or anyone else associated with the tourism industry, everyone here in Kashmir is excited for the grand G-20 Summit. This meeting here in Srinagar is set to boost tourism. Furthermore, this meeting will provide our Jammu and Kashmir UT a platform to showcase its beauty to the entire world,” said Umar Bukhari, a local resident of Srinagar.

“Things are changing for the betterment of the people here in J-K. Since the last few years we have seen the LG Manoj Sinha-led administration massively investing in development which is a positive sign,” he added.

Locals apart, tourism players in the Valley also believe that due to the developmental projects, the footfall of tourists has increased in J-K which indirectly is helping the trader community and in return is also boosting the economy.

“It is the first time we are seeing such a tourist season in the Valley. Hordes of tourists from various parts of the country are travelling to the Valley as the ‘Heaven on Earth’ — a sobriquet given to Kashmir — is seeing tangible signs of a return to normalcy,” Mehraj Ahmad, a tourist guide in north Kashmir’s Gulmarg said, adding that the influx of foreign delegates and participants, along with showcasing the tourist destinations, can put UT on a pedestal in terms of tourism.

The Government of India is also making a significant thrust to ensure better infrastructural facilities for the region’s people and entice visitors. This has resulted in a fortuitous surge in tourist activities with better law and order, a promising security system, and maintenance of peace in addition to infrastructural and connectivity improvements.

Stating that G-20 was purely a peoples’ event, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on April 15 said the event would provide a great opportunity to push J-K’s handloom, handicraft, Pashmina, and dry fruit to international markets.

“G-20 which is scheduled to be held from May 22 to May 24 in Srinagar will provide an opportunity to push J-K’s handloom, handicraft, Pashmina, dry fruit, saffron and other products to international markets.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the real potential of the Union Territory to the world. It is not administration’s event but purely a people’s one,” the J-K LG said.

The G20 tourism summit would take place at a time when Kashmir is experiencing a boom in tourism and J-K draws significant investments in the tourism sector, besides medical cities, educational institutions, and other sectors.  (ANI)

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