Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has responded positively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise of his recent Gujarat visit, using the moment to make a heartfelt appeal for increased domestic tourism in Kashmir. The interaction, which unfolded on social media platform X, underscored the power of tourism in building national unity and reviving Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.
The exchange began after PM Modi posted a message appreciating Abdullah’s visit to the Sabarmati Riverfront and the Statue of Unity. “Kashmir to Kevadia! Good to see Shri Omar Abdullah Ji enjoying his run at the Sabarmati Riverfront and visiting the Statue of Unity. His visit to SoU gives an important message of unity and will inspire our fellow Indians to travel to different parts of India,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Kashmir to Kevadia!
Good to see Shri Omar Abdullah Ji enjoying his run at the Sabarmati Riverfront and visiting the Statue of Unity. His visit to SoU gives an important message of unity and will inspire our fellow Indians to travel to different parts of India. @OmarAbdullah https://t.co/MPFL3Us4ak pic.twitter.com/bLfjhC3024
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 31, 2025
“Tourism Can Employ Lakhs”: Omar Abdullah’s Call to Action
In reply, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasised the urgent need to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. “I’m a firm believer that travel broadens the horizons & the mind @narendramodi ji. It’s especially important for us in J&K as tourism is a crucial part of our economy & has the potential to gainfully employ lakhs of people,” he posted on X.
While in #Ahmedabad for a tourism event I took advantage of being here to get my morning run at the famed Sabarmati River Front promenade. It’s one of the nicest places I’ve been able to run & it was a pleasure to get to share it with so many other walkers/runners. I even managed… pic.twitter.com/q9GbLcnDgz
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) July 31, 2025
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“That’s why I & my colleagues are trying to convince more of our fellow Indians to visit J&K, especially after the tragic events earlier this year,” he added, referring to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that shook the region’s tourism sector.
Gujarat Visit Highlights Unity and Tourism Potential according to Omar Abdullah
Omar Abdullah was on a two-day visit to Gujarat to promote Jammu and Kashmir as a safe and attractive destination for Indian tourists. He participated in a tourism event in Ahmedabad, met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and interacted with key stakeholders from the travel and hospitality industries.
I was also able to try my hand with a Charkha. I had a very patient teacher who tried to teach me to spin cotton in the same way that Gandhi ji did decades ago. pic.twitter.com/6r0Xs08KhB
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 1, 2025
During his visit, Abdullah shared moments from his morning run along the Sabarmati Riverfront, describing it as “one of the nicest places I’ve been able to run,” and noting the symbolic Atal Foot Bridge he passed on the route.
The visit and subsequent online exchange between the two leaders showcased an unusual moment of warmth across party lines, while drawing national attention to the shared cultural and economic benefits of domestic travel.
