Srinagar, June 10: As Jammu and Kashmir witnesses unprecedented improvements in infrastructure, tourism, connectivity and economic activity, residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK) are increasingly looking towards India’s development model and the transformation unfolding across the Union Territory, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth said on Wednesday.
Highlighting what he described as a historic period of peace, progress and prosperity under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Seth said Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years, emerging as a symbol of development-led governance and national integration.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Srinagar, the Minister said the changes visible across Kashmir today stand in stark contrast to the challenges that once defined the region, adding that growing public confidence, improved connectivity, rising tourist arrivals and expanding economic opportunities are collectively shaping a new future for the Valley.
“I have been visiting Kashmir continuously for the last five years and have personally witnessed the transformation taking place here. The people of Kashmir are extremely friendly and brotherly. Today, Kashmir is moving ahead on the path of development and progress with remarkable speed,” Seth said.
The Minister said one of the most visible indicators of change has been the massive improvement in infrastructure and road connectivity. Recalling the difficulties faced by travelers in the past, he said the journey between Jammu and Srinagar, which once required 12 to 14 hours, has now been reduced dramatically owing to the construction of highways, tunnels and other strategic infrastructure projects.
“There was a time when travelling from Jammu to Srinagar would consume an entire day. Today, the same journey can be completed in approximately four-and-a-half hours. This reflects the scale of development that has taken place under the present government,” he said.
According to Seth, modern infrastructure is not merely improving travel convenience but is also opening new avenues for trade, tourism, healthcare access and economic growth across the region.
Describing tourism as the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, the Minister said the Valley continues to attract visitors from every corner of the country despite occasional challenges. He noted that nearly 1.77 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir during 2025, while tourist arrivals had crossed 2.66 crore in previous years.
“Kashmir continues to attract people from across India because of its natural beauty, improving security situation and expanding tourism infrastructure. Looking at current trends, I believe tourist arrivals can reach nearly three crore in the coming years,” he said.
During his interactions with visitors, Seth said he met tourists from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jharkhand and several other states, demonstrating Kashmir’s growing appeal as a premier national tourist destination.
“People from every region of India want to visit Kashmir. The peace and development visible today are encouraging families, travelers and pilgrims to come here in large numbers. Kashmir is truly amazing,” he said.
The Minister attributed much of the region’s developmental momentum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sustained focus on Jammu and Kashmir. He said unprecedented investments have been made in roads, bridges, tunnels, healthcare infrastructure and other public welfare projects, creating the foundation for long-term growth.
“Prime Minister Modi has visited Jammu and Kashmir numerous times and has ensured extensive support for development. Whether it is healthcare, roads, tunnels or bridges, every sector has witnessed major investment. Today, the doors of development are fully open and Kashmir is progressing rapidly,” he said.
Touching upon the security situation, Seth said militancy-related incidents have declined substantially and assured that the Government of India remains committed to preserving peace and stability in the region.
“The government will ensure there is no lapse in security. Peace, brotherhood and development will continue to remain our priorities. The people of Jammu and Kashmir need not have any concerns regarding the future,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted the growing contribution of local industries to the regional economy, particularly Kashmir’s globally recognized cricket bat manufacturing sector.
He said nearly 30 lakh cricket bats are being produced annually in the Valley and exported to countries including the United Kingdom, Australia and Saudi Arabia.
“This industry has become a symbol of Kashmir’s entrepreneurial potential. The fact that bats manufactured here are reaching international markets reflects both the quality of local craftsmanship and the expanding economic opportunities available to the people,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Seth claimed that while residents in Jammu and Kashmir are benefiting from modern infrastructure, welfare schemes and expanding economic opportunities, people across the Line of Control continue to face developmental challenges.
He said the visible transformation taking place in Jammu and Kashmir has become a subject of discussion even beyond India’s borders and has drawn attention from people living in PoJK.
“The people there can see the pace of development taking place here. They are observing how infrastructure, healthcare, tourism and public services have improved. The difference is becoming increasingly evident,” he said.
Speaking about India’s broader economic trajectory, Seth said the country is moving steadily towards becoming a five-trillion-dollar economy and is on course to emerge as the world’s third-largest economy.
“The vision of Viksit Bharat is steadily taking shape. India’s economic growth, infrastructure expansion and global standing are rising continuously. The nation is moving forward with confidence and determination,” he said.
Referring to the completion of twelve years of the Modi-led government at the Centre, the Minister described the period as one marked by transparency, accountability and decisive governance.
“The country has witnessed transparent governance and strong leadership over the past twelve years. An era defined by accountability, development and public welfare has replaced the politics of corruption and uncertainty,” he said.
Seth thanked the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their support and expressed confidence that the Union Territory would continue to witness greater peace, prosperity and economic advancement in the years ahead.
He said Jammu and Kashmir today stands at a defining moment in its history, with improved infrastructure, rising tourism, expanding industries and strengthened security creating the conditions for sustained growth and long-term stability.
“As development continues to gather momentum, Kashmir is not only transforming itself but is also emerging as one of the strongest examples of India’s progress story in the 21st century,” he added.
