New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir is stepping into a new era of growth and development, leaving behind years of conflict and underdevelopment. Once known mainly for unrest, the Union Territory is now being seen as one of India’s fastest-growing regions, with its economy projected to touch Rs 2.65 lakh crore. In 2023, more than 2.11 crore tourists visited the Union Territory, the highest ever recorded. Experts say these changes are not just about economic growth but also about strengthening India’s strategic presence in border regions. With growth expected to touch nearly 10 per cent in the coming years, Jammu and Kashmir is now emerging as India’s new growth engine, the report added.