Northern India’s Ancient Trade Routes Show Promise for Economic Resurgence

In India’s Jammu province, a spike in terrorist attacks in recent months has highlighted the traditional foot routes that crisscross the scenic northern region. The routes, which once formed part of a vast trade network including the ancient Silk Road and the Grand Trunk Road, fell into disuse with the advent of modern transportation. Winding through forested, mountainous terrain as they connect the Kashmir Valley with the state of Punjab, they now give cover to armed terrorists whose attacks rose sharply with the reelection of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June. Sandwiched between Punjab and the Kashmir Valley, Jammu is one of the world’s richest biospheres. It boasts picturesque, misty valleys, and an extensive network of streams, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. The region’s freshwater resources are a significant part of the Indus River basin, which extends through India, Pakistan, and eastern Afghanistan....