J&K to host G20 meetings in 2023, forms 5-member coordination panel

In a significant development, Jammu and Kashmir will be hosting the 2023 meetings of G20. It is an influential grouping that brings together the world’s major economies. The Union Territory government on June 23 setting up a five-member high level committee for overall coordination.

This will be the first major international summit to be held in Jammu and Kashmir. Which will be held after the erstwhile State’s special status guaranteed under Article 370 of the Constitution.

In September last year, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal was appointed as India’s Sherpa for the G20. The Ministry of External Affairs had said that India will hold the G20 presidency from December 1, 2022. And will convene the G20 leaders’ summit in 2023 for the first time.

Accordingly an official order on G20

Accordingly an official order issued here on Thursday. The Union Territory’s housing and urban development department principal secretary will be the chairman of the committee which was formed in response to a June 4 communication from the Ministry of External Affairs.

“Sanction is hereby accorded to the constitution of a committee…for overall co-ordination of G-20 meetings to be held in the Union Territory of J&K.” The order issued by Principal Secretary, General Administration Department, Manoj Kumar Dwivedi said. The members of the committee include Commissioner Secretary (Transport), Administrative Secretary (Tourism), Administrative Secretary (Hospitality and Protocol) and Administrative Secretary (Culture).

“Further, principal secretary to the government, housing and urban development department is also nominated. As UT level nodal officer to coordinate the arrangements for G-20 meetings in the Union Territory of J&K,” the order said.

Prime Minister Modi has been leading India’s representation at G20 summits since 2014. India has been a member of the G20 since its inception in 1999.

According to the MEA, India will be part of the G20 Troika. (preceding, current, and incoming G20 Presidencies) from December 1, 2021 till November 30, 2024.

G20 brings together 19 of the world’ leading economies and the European Union. Its members accounting for more than 80% of global GDP. 75% of global trade and 60% of the global population, according to the MEA.

The G20 member nations are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.