In light of rising crime, terrorism, and incidents of sexual assault in various Indian states, the United States has issued a stringent travel advisory for India. The U.S. government has designated India under Level 2 Travel Advisory, advising its citizens to exercise increased caution.
This advisory, issued on June 16, identifies several regions in India as high-risk due to crime and terrorism. The notice also highlights the rising trend of sexual harassment in tourist areas, particularly cautioning women against traveling alone.
Areas Highlighted in the Advisory
The advisory underscores risks in border regions and areas affected by Maoist insurgency. Specific regions listed include:
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Jammu & Kashmir: Cities such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam are deemed terrorism-prone.
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Maoist-Controlled Regions: Parts of eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, and western West Bengal.
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Restricted Travel: States such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Odisha, and areas outside Kolkata in West Bengal require prior approval for U.S. citizens.
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Manipur: Complete travel prohibition has been advised.
The advisory also warned of terrorist activities and violent incidents in these regions, urging travelers to avoid them entirely.
Political Reactions
The advisory has sparked a political storm in India. Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghosh criticized the Modi administration, remarking, "Modi and his supporters have suffered a major blow as the U.S. itself declares India unsafe due to rape and terror." The Kerala Congress took to social media, sarcastically adding, “Another feather in Modi’s cap.”
Diplomatic Implications
Experts suggest this travel advisory isn’t merely a safety warning but also a diplomatic critique of the Modi government’s handling of internal security and women’s safety. Despite recent efforts by the Indian government to strengthen ties with the Trump administration, this advisory poses a significant challenge to its global image.
International Concerns
This advisory raises serious questions about India's safety and women’s security on the international stage. While the Indian government is yet to respond officially, political debates have already intensified across the nation.
The advisory comes as a stark reminder of the challenges India faces in maintaining its global reputation, particularly regarding safety and security.
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