The dawn of 27 October 1947 is etched in the pages of India’s military and national history as the day when the Indian Army carried out a daring and decisive operation – the landing at Srinagar old airfield. This singular act safeguarded the Srinagar city and ensured that Jammu and Kashmir remained an integral part of the Indian Union. It was a turning point in the early months after independence when the newly born nation faced the monumental challenge of defending its territorial integrity. In the wake of India’s independence on 15 August 1947, princely states were given the choice to join either India or Pakistan. While many states had made their decision by then, the state of Jammu and Kashmir, ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh, hesitated to join either country. He wanted to keep the state independent, balancing relations with both neighbours. However, the situation soon turned dire.
In October 1947, Pakistan sponsored and supported an invasion by tribal raiders, backed by the regulars of the Pakistani Army. Thousands of armed tribesmen entered Kashmir through the western frontiers, committing extreme inhuman brutal atrocities and spreading terror in Muzaffarabad, Baramulla, Uri and adjoining areas of Srinagar. The raiders rapidly advanced toward Srinagar, threatening to capture the capital city and strategicaly located airfield. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947, formally acceding Jammu and Kashmir to India. It was under these circumstances that the Indian Army was tasked with the urgent mission of airlifting troops to defend Srinagar and halt the advancing raiders supported by Pak regular Army.
On the morning of 27 October 1947, the first batch of Indian troops, belonging to the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, landed at Srinagar airfield. This was the Indian Army’s first major airlift operation and remains a defining moment in the history of independent India and newly joined state of Jammu and Kashmir accessed to union of India. The sight of the Dakotas of the Indian Air Force touching down on the tarmac of Srinagar old airfield, carrying men, weapons and supplies was well planned military maneuver and a symbolic assertion of India’s resolve to defend its territorial integrity. The soldiers who disembarked on morning of 27 Oct 1947 were fully aware that they were facing overwhelming odds. Indian Army’s soldiers courage and determination carried them forward and timely action defended the airfield of Srinagar City. Immediately after landing, the troops were deployed to secure the Srinagar airfield, recognizing its importance as the lifeline for reinforcements and supplies. Without control of the airfield, the Army could not have held Srinagar. Once the airfield was secured, the battalion swiftly moved towards Baramulla-Uri road to delay the raiders advance and saved many precious human lives. In the fierce engagement that followed, the unit gallantly against overwhelming numbers. The brave Commanding Officer himself laid down his life in the line of duty, but his leadership and sacrifice bought precious time for additional Indian troops to be airlifted into Srinagar. His courage remains an enduring inspiration in the annals of the Indian Army.
The successful defense of Srinagar old airfield enabled the Indian Army to steadily reinforce its presence in the Kashmir Valley. The raiders, who had initially advanced with great speed, were now challenged and gradually pushed back. The Indian Army defended Srinagar and went on to secure Baramulla and Uri road and drive the invaders out of large parts of Kashmir Valley. This operation showcased the seamless coordination between the Indian Army and the …
Reviewing the Silk Route: Kashmir as a New Trade Hub
Arshid Rasool
Kashmir’s re-emergence as a vital hub along the ancient Silk Route marks a dramatic transformation in trade, connectivity and cultural exchange across South and Central Asia. The revival of this age-old network is not just about rediscovering history; it represents the region’s transition into a future powered by strategic infrastructure, renewed trade corridors and cultural diplomacy. This review assesses the modern dynamics of the Silk Route in Kashmir, exploring its historical importance, present-day opportunities, infrastructural leaps and challenges that define its role as a new trade hub — intertwining economic growth, regional integration and cultural revival.
For centuries, Kashmir stood as the heart of the Silk Route — a confluence of trade, travel and tradition linking East and West. Merchants, monks and explorers traversed mountain passes like Zoji La, Khardung La and Karakoram to exchange not only silk and spices but also knowledge, art and faith. Towns such as Leh, Kargil and Srinagar were buzzing commercial centers where caravans from Yarkand, Samarkand and Tibet mingled with Indian traders, shaping a cosmopolitan ethos unique to the Himalayan region. Caravanserais like the Yarkand Sarai in Srinagar provided rest and refuge to traders and their camels, while marketplaces in Leh offered everything from pashmina wool to turquoise stones and Kashmiri papier-mâché art. Beyond commerce, these interactions inspired architectural styles, culinary tastes and linguistic expressions — weaving a multicultural identity that still defines Kashmir’s social fabric.
The historical Silk Route in Kashmir, therefore, was not just a channel of trade, it was a living artery of civilization. It created bridges between diverse cultures and transformed the region into a melting pot of artistic innovation and spiritual harmony. In the 21st century, the Silk Route is being reborn through unprecedented infrastructure and connectivity projects. Among the most transformative developments is the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link project, which has now been completed and operational, serving as the main connectivity channel for both logistics and passenger transport. This engineering marvel, stretching through tunnels, bridges and valleys, has revolutionized mobility across Jammu and Kashmir, integrating the region with India’s national railway network.
The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link project is not just a transportation milestone, it is a lifeline for trade. Freight trains ferry apples, walnuts and handicrafts to national markets, while passenger services have reduced travel time dramatically, fostering mobility, tourism and commerce. The rail link has also connected remote mountain communities, boosting social and economic inclusion. Simultaneously, projects like the Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels are redefining all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, ensuring seamless trade movement through the Himalayas. These developments, coupled with the Srinagar Ring Road, the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway and upgraded highways, are turning Kashmir into a major transit hub for goods, tourists, and cultural exchanges.
Ropeway projects, rural road expansions and eco-tourism circuits are further unlocking the region’s potential. They are not only improving logistics but also opening new avenues for horticulture, handicrafts and winter sports industries — enabling Kashmir’s economy to grow from within. The modern Silk Route revival has become the driving force behind Kashmir’s economic transformation. Agriculture and horticulture the backbone of Kashmir’s economy are now supported by world-class logistics and supply chains. Apples, saffron, cherries and walnuts, long cherished for their flavor and quality are reaching international markets faster than ever before. The USBRL rail network, improved cold-chain facilities and agro-processing units have turned Kashmir into a dynamic export hub.
Similarly, the region’s traditional handicraft and cottage industries are experiencing renewed vigor. Pashmina, carpets, and papier-mâché goods — which once traveled along the ancient Silk Route are finding new life in global markets through e-commerce and government-backed trade fairs. Tourism, too has seen a renaissance, with “Silk Route tourism” becoming a new brand identity that attracts travelers seeking cultural depth and natural beauty. From Ladakh’s Aryan Valley to Kargil’s bustling bazaars and Nubra’s camel trails, tourists retrace the footsteps of ancient caravans. This has boosted rural entrepreneurship, especially among women and youth, creating jobs in hospitality, transportation and handicraft sectors. Kashmir’s new economic story, thus, is being written by the synergy between tradition and technology.
Beyond trade and infrastructure, the revival of the Silk Route has rekindled Kashmir’s role as a cultural crossroads. The shared heritage with Central Asia, Tibet, and the Persian world is being celebrated through exhibitions, academic exchanges and art festivals. The Central Asian Museum in Leh, for instance, curates’ manuscripts, coins, costumes and relics that chronicle the ancient ties between Kashmir and the greater Silk Route network. Modern-day Silk Route travelers are rediscovering these historic linkages — exploring monasteries, caravan routes and ancient fortresses that echo with the tales of merchants, monks and kings. Festivals featuring Central Asian music, cuisine and crafts are reviving lost cultural connections, turning Kashmir once again into a vibrant meeting ground of civilizations.
This cultural rejuvenation also carries a deeper significance: it fosters people-to-people contact and soft diplomacy. Through its art, music and heritage, Kashmir can serve as a cultural bridge linking South and Central Asia, strengthening bonds that transcend borders. However, the dream of reviving Kashmir’s Silk Route is not without obstacles. The region’s geography and geopolitics present complex challenges. Historical trade routes to Gilgit-Baltistan, Baltistan and Xinjiang remain restricted due to border tensions and security concerns. The competing interests of India, Pakistan and China continue to shape connectivity dynamics in the Himalayas.
While the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor and other initiatives under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation offer opportunities for transregional trade, their integration with India’s projects remains uncertain. Kashmir’s full potential as a trade corridor can only be realized through regional peace, diplomatic engagement and stability along borders. That said, the government’s focus on internal development, infrastructure and security has improved the environment for trade and tourism. Continued investment in peacebuilding, people’s participation and cross-border dialogue will be crucial to transforming Kashmir from a contested geography into a shared economic space.
The impact of this new Silk Route renaissance is most visible in the lives of ordinary Kashmiris. Enhanced connectivity has stimulated entrepreneurship, empowered artisans and reversed decades of migration. Villages once cut off by snow and terrain are now connected to markets and hospitals within hours. Youth are venturing into agri-tech, tourism startups and e-commerce — blending innovation with tradition. Women, in particular, are emerging as powerful agents of change. From managing homestays in Gurez to producing organic saffron in Pampore, women entrepreneurs are reshaping Kashmir’s socio-economic narrative. The influx of visitors and investors has spurred new opportunities in education, healthcare and hospitality.
However, the benefits of development must be inclusive. Urban expansion and infrastructure projects should prioritize local participation and ecological balance. The story of progress must be one where development uplifts communities without erasing their cultural and environmental identity. Reconnecting the Silk Route must go hand in hand with preserving Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem and rich heritage. The Himalayas are among the world’s most sensitive environments and rapid construction poses risks of deforestation, soil erosion and habitat loss. Sustainable tourism and eco-friendly infrastructure are essential to balance growth with conservation.
Preserving caravanserais, monasteries, ancient bridges and fortress towns is equally important. These are not relics of the past — they are living symbols of Kashmir’s Silk Route heritage. Integrating them into modern tourism and education can generate awareness and respect for the region’s history. Local knowledge systems — from traditional architecture to water management offer valuable lessons for sustainable development. By combining ancient wisdom with modern technology, Kashmir can set an example of eco-conscious progress that aligns with its cultural and natural ethos.
Kashmir’s Silk Route revival is more than a nostalgic project; it is a vision for regional connectivity, prosperity and peace. With the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link project now fully functional, the region stands at a turning point where historical geography meets modern geopolitics. The idea is not merely to reopen old roads but to reimagine Kashmir as a strategic bridge linking South Asia, Central Asia, and beyond. Future prospects include reopening traditional routes to Central Asia under peaceful conditions, expanding trade through dry ports and logistics hubs, and integrating Kashmir’s industries with digital and green economies. Collaboration under regional platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation could transform the region into a multi-nodal corridor of trade, energy and tourism.
At the heart of this vision are Kashmir’s people — its youth, artisans and intellectuals — who are driving change with resilience and creativity. Their efforts to innovate, conserve and connect reflect a timeless truth: that Kashmir’s destiny lies not in isolation but in integration. The revival of the Silk Route through Kashmir as a new trade hub represents an extraordinary convergence of history and modernity. From the completed Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link and world-class tunnels to the revival of ancient caravan routes and cultural exchanges, every development reaffirms Kashmir’s place as the crossroads of Asia.
Yet, this journey is not merely about infrastructure or commerce — it is about reclaiming identity, restoring pride and reimagining the future. True prosperity will come not only through economic growth but through sustained peace, environmental care and the preservation of Kashmir’s cultural soul. As the new Silk Route winds once again through the valleys and passes of the Himalayas, Kashmir stands poised to become not just a transit point — but a symbol of resilience, renewal and regional cooperation, connecting the glory of its past to the promise of an Asian century.