Switzerland's Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Maya Tissafi, was captivated by the beauty of Kashmir during her visit to the valley. She described her first glimpse of Gulmarg as breathtaking, noting why filmmakers frequently choose the region as a backdrop. On social media, she shared images from Bollywood films such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Jab Tak Hai Jaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan. "Bollywood made both Switzerland and Gulmarg unforgettable on screen," she remarked.
Shared Responsibilities of Mountain Regions
Beyond their scenic appeal, Tissafi emphasized that mountain regions share common responsibilities, including resilience, sustainable tourism, and disaster risk reduction. She highlighted ongoing collaborations between Switzerland and India in the region, such as a Himalayan glaciology program at the University of Kashmir and cloud research projects with ETH Zurich.
Artistry of Kashmiri Crafts
En route to Gulmarg, the ambassador witnessed the artistry of local shawl and carpet makers. She posted a photograph of herself wearing a coat adorned with traditional Kashmiri Ari embroidery, a centuries-old needlework craft known for its intricate floral and ornamental designs. "Along the way, I also had the opportunity to witness the artistry of Kashmir's shawl and carpet makers, and it was just as beautiful as the landscape itself," she said.
Reflecting on Srinagar's heritage, Tissafi wrote, "A story at every corner. From the panoramic views of Hari Parbat overlooking Dal Lake and Srinagar's old city to the serenity of Hazratbal Shrine, Shah-e-Hamdan and Jamia Masjid, Kashmir's cultural heritage is as rich as its landscapes." She also noted the vibrant markets of Lal Chowk and Polo View, where the aroma of kahwa, colorful shawls and carpets, exquisite woodwork, and countless conversations added to the experience. "What impressed me most is how naturally tradition and modernity coexist in the valley. Kashmir offers not only breathtaking scenery, but also warmth, character and stories at every turn," she added.
Meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
On Friday, Tissafi met with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss areas of mutual interest and cooperation. According to a government spokesman, the meeting explored opportunities for exchanging best practices in sustainable tourism, hospitality, vocational education and training, horticulture, dairying, and eco-friendly food processing. The chief minister emphasized the importance of adopting best practices to strengthen the region's socio-economic development and ensure long-term prosperity. He highlighted the government's vision of integrating innovative and sustainable approaches into regional planning and human development frameworks to create employment opportunities, enhance productivity, and improve quality of life.
Ambassador Tissafi appreciated the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and immense economic potential of Jammu and Kashmir. She expressed interest in exploring avenues for greater collaboration and knowledge sharing. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Earlier Meetings with Officials
On Thursday, Tissafi met with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone. "I had insightful discussions with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and former Minister Sajad Lone on the region's development priorities and future opportunities," she said. She noted that Swiss expertise is already contributing to Kashmir's growth through infrastructure projects, hydropower technology, innovation in high-altitude climate studies, and dairy farming. "We also explored opportunities for future collaboration in vocational training, hospitality, food processing and tourism. A memorable introduction to the spirit of Kashmir, including the beautiful Nishat Garden," she added. Lone stated that they "exchanged views on various issues" without further elaboration. The ambassador also called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan on Thursday.
