KSA shows J&K as a separate part in the newly released G20 map, India lodges a protest against the move
text_fieldsKingdom Saudi Arabia (KSA) has shown Jammu and Kashmir separately from both India and Pakistan in the newly released world map, which is on the back of a currency note.
Parts of J&K, Ladakh and Pakistan administered Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit have been shown as a separate part, while Aksai Chin has been shown a part of China.
The map is found on new 20 Riyal notes, which the kingdom has released to commemorate its presidency for organizing the 2020 G20 Summit. The new note features the country's ruler King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on one side and the 2020 G20 logo on the other. It highlights countries which are a part of the summit with a dark colour.
A large section of Indian media is hailing the move by calling it a "major diplomatic snub to Pakistan". Some media outlets have even called it a "Diwali gift for India".
Indian Authorities, however, have criticised the new map released by Saudi Arabia, a protest has, reportedly, been lodged in Saudi Arabia's India embassy and the matter has been taken up with Saudi by India's foreign ministry through the Indian Mission.
The G 20 summit is going to be held on November 21-22, in Saudi Arabia's capital city Riyad, India will participate in the summit as a member.
In the last few years, India's relations with the Arab Kingdom have significantly improved; Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the kingdom in 2019 and signed the "strategic partnership council agreement". The agreement identifies India as a strategically important partner under the "Vision 2030".
India will be expecting changes to be made to the newly released banknote issued by Saudi Arabia.