100 delegates visit monasteries in Ladakh for pre-G20 meeting

The Y20 pre-summit meeting under G20 started in Leh of Ladakh on Wednesday. More than 100 delegates from 30 countries visited the Hemis and Thiksey monasteries as part of this pre-summit.

The delegates won't be visiting the Pangong Lake along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, where India and China are engaged in a faceoff since May 2020. The Chinese delegates haven't attended the Y20 meeting in Ladakh.

On Wednesday, after a yoga session in the morning, delegates witnessed the majestic mask dance at the Hemis monastery as part of their day-long excursion. Officials said the delegates and guests experienced the cultural richness of Ladakh during their visit to the monasteries. "The Hemis and Thiksey monasteries were a true testament to the region's unique traditions," said officials. They also participated in the inauguration of Ladakh Haat.

The Y20 meeting is being organised from April 26 to April 28 during which Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh BD Mishra and Union minister Anurag Thakur are likely to address the delegates.



"It is a tremendous opportunity for India to have a pre-summit meeting to be hosted in Leh where more than 100 delegates from more than 30 countries are participating," said Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, joint secretary, G20. This year, G20 is being organised under India's presidency on the theme 'One Earth One Family One Future'.

This pre-summit is part of the engagement process under India's presidency that will bring together leading experts, decision-makers, and youth leaders from G20 countries to discuss and formulate plans on the growth and development of people. The Y20 engagement group is organising discussions pan-India to consult the youth of the nation on ideas for a better tomorrow and draft an agenda for action.