US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Wednesday described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” and indicated that Washington may reconsider its travel advisory for the Union Territory, citing significant steps taken by the Centre and the J&K administration to improve security.
Gor made the remarks after meeting J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar during his maiden visit to the Union Territory. He arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday as part of a two-day visit to J&K and Ladakh.
“This is an important part of India. I am here visiting for the first time. It is an incredibly beautiful place, and I am thrilled to be here,” Gor told reporters after his meeting with Abdullah.
The US envoy said Washington periodically reviews its travel advisories and indicated that the current warning for Jammu and Kashmir could be reassessed.
“The United States puts out travel warnings and every so often we re-evaluate those travel warnings. I cannot make any big announcements here today, but it is something that we are going to look at,” Gor said.
He praised the security measures undertaken by the Centre and the J&K administration, saying they had taken “incredible steps” to make the region safer.
“So, we will be looking at if the travel warning that is imposed is something that should be downgraded. This is a beautiful area, I think a lot of Americans would enjoy coming here and seeing the beauty and opportunity that exists here,” he added.
The US currently has a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Jammu and Kashmir.
After the meeting, Gor said in a post on X, “Appreciated the opportunity to meet with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and to learn more about his priorities. We discussed ways to deepen economic collaboration and create opportunities that would mutually benefit both of our nations.”
(With agency inputs)
