Members of G-20 delegation during their visit to Polo View market in Srinagar, on Wednesday 24 May 2023.
Members of G-20 delegation during their visit to Polo View market in Srinagar, on Wednesday 24 May 2023.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

In Frames: three-day eventful G-20 summit in Srinagar

From conferences to markets, G-20 delegates marvel at Kashmir
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Srinagar was all set to host the third G20 Tourism Working Group meeting, preparations were put in place while security was kept on high alert as this was a first major international event after Jammu and Kashmir's special status was scrapped in 2019.

For the three-day G20 Summit, from May 22-24, Kashmir was under a three-tier security grid. From aerial surveillance drone monitoring to National Security Guard (NSG) and MARCOS commandos being deployed around the venue. Jammu and Kashmir Police's special operation group (SOG) were also deployed at several places to prevent any untoward incident. Srinagar city's walls and roads were decorated to welcome the delegates.

Delegates being welcomed as they arrive at the Srinagar International airport, on Monday, 22 May 2023.
Delegates being welcomed as they arrive at the Srinagar International airport, on Monday, 22 May 2023.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

The delegates after arriving at Srinagar international airport were driven straight to SKICC where the discussion and deliberations on the five key priority areas: Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skills, MSMEs and Destination Management were held. 

A cavalcade of G-20 delegates is seen on way to their designated accommodations in Srinagar, on Monday 22 May 2023.
A cavalcade of G-20 delegates is seen on way to their designated accommodations in Srinagar, on Monday 22 May 2023.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

Spain, Singapore, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Brazil and India were among seven countries to discuss the global perspective of film tourism, as well as, its economic benefits and impact in J-K. The side event on 'Film Tourism for Economic Growth and Cultural Preservation' was a part of the mega third Tourism Working Group Meeting to be organized in Srinagar between May 22-24.

Members of G-20 delegation attend the conference in SKICC, on Tuesday, 23 May 2023.
Members of G-20 delegation attend the conference in SKICC, on Tuesday, 23 May 2023.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

The visiting G20 delegates at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) showed a resounding interest in Kashmiri handicrafts, spending hours watching live demonstrations by artists. The delegates also purchased local handicrafts from vendors on the second day of the third Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar on Tuesday.

Numerous craftsmen and handicraft vendors had set up stalls at the SKICC with the goal of bridging the gap between overseas consumers and local vendors by displaying their handcrafted goods to the attendees.

There were many products on display including a tapestry of Kashmir's artisanal brilliance, from the plush Pashmina shawls, hand-woven carpets, and exquisitely carved walnut wood masterpieces to the Kangris (fire pots), papier-mâché art, and delicate hand-embroidered fabrics.

At the G20 Tourism Working Group conference, the Kashmir Handicrafts and Handloom Department caused excitement by showcasing their wonderful indigenous handicrafts and handloom items live.
At the G20 Tourism Working Group conference, the Kashmir Handicrafts and Handloom Department caused excitement by showcasing their wonderful indigenous handicrafts and handloom items live.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

On the third and final day, the delegates from different G20 countries on Wednesday visited iconic Mughal Gardens in Srinagar.

The delegates visited the gardens after two days of meetings at SKICC, Srinagar.
The delegates visited the gardens after two days of meetings at SKICC, Srinagar.Special arrangement

At Mughal Gardens, delegates wore traditional Kashmiri attires while marveling at the scintillating view.

The Delegates of the 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting dressed in traditional attire on a visit to the Nishat Bagh on the banks of world-famous Dal Lake in Srinagar.
The Delegates of the 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting dressed in traditional attire on a visit to the Nishat Bagh on the banks of world-famous Dal Lake in Srinagar.Special arrangement

While women delegates enjoyed the traditional attire, men from the visiting group enthralled themselves by playing golf in the picturesque Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar.

The wet weather hardly impeded the enjoyment of the delegates.
The wet weather hardly impeded the enjoyment of the delegates. Special arrangement

The visit would have been incomplete without a tour to the newly renovated classic Polo View market in the heart of city. Thus, it was completed as the delegates were taken to this historic place amid rains.

While GK couldn't verify about every individual's shopping, Netherlands envoy Joyce on Wednesday said that he bought a Pashmina scarf and pillow cover from the market.
While GK couldn't verify about every individual's shopping, Netherlands envoy Joyce on Wednesday said that he bought a Pashmina scarf and pillow cover from the market.Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

Traders associated with handicrafts and other tourism-related businesses have expressed their expectations that foreign countries would remove restrictions on travelling to Kashmir, which they said would give boost to the local economy.

Delegates inside a papier-mâché shop at Srinagar's Polo View market, on Wednesday, 24 May 2023.
Delegates inside a papier-mâché shop at Srinagar's Polo View market, on Wednesday, 24 May 2023. Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

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