US Issues Travel Advisory for India Amid Rising Crime and Terrorism Concerns
Travel Advisory Overview
The United States government has released a travel advisory recommending its citizens to exercise heightened caution when visiting India, citing increasing incidents of crime and terrorism. The advisory highlights that certain regions within the country present elevated risks.
On June 16, the US Department of State issued a Level 2 advisory, stating that incidents of rape are among the fastest-growing crimes in India. It further noted that violent crimes, including sexual assaults, have been reported at tourist attractions and various other locations.
The advisory warns that terrorist attacks may occur with little to no warning, particularly targeting tourist hotspots, transportation hubs, shopping centers, and government facilities.
Additionally, the advisory mentions that the US government has limited capacity to provide emergency assistance in rural areas, which include regions from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana to western West Bengal. Consequently, US government personnel must secure special authorization to travel to these areas.
Travel to Jammu and Kashmir is discouraged, except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh, due to ongoing terrorism and civil unrest.
The advisory states, “Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible,” noting that violence is sporadic in this region, particularly along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. Tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley, such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, have also experienced violence.
This advisory follows a tragic terror attack in Baisaran near Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuries to 16 others. Reports indicate that the attackers identified victims by asking for their names to determine their religion, with the majority of those killed being Hindu.
The incident triggered a four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan.
The US government has also advised against travel to areas near the India-Pakistan border due to the risk of armed conflict.
Concerns regarding Maoist violence in Central and Eastern India were also highlighted. The advisory notes that Maoist extremist groups, known as 'Naxalites,' are active in a vast area of India, including eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana, extending to western West Bengal. These groups have been responsible for numerous attacks targeting local police, paramilitary forces, and government officials.
US government employees in India are required to obtain permission before traveling to most regions in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha. Approval is also necessary for travel to the eastern parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Travel to Manipur is discouraged due to the threat of violence and crime, as the state has been embroiled in ethnic conflicts between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities, resulting in at least 260 fatalities and displacing over 59,000 individuals since May 2023. Violence has continued into 2024.
The US government has reported that ongoing ethnic conflicts have led to significant violence and community displacement, with regular attacks on Indian government targets.
Furthermore, citizens are advised to reconsider travel to northeastern states due to terrorism and violence, as ethnic insurgent groups occasionally perpetrate violent acts, including bombings of public transport and marketplaces.