Srinagar, Aug 19 (JKNS): US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Wednesday indicated that Washington may consider reviewing its travel advisory for Jammu & Kashmir, citing what he described as significant steps taken by the government to improve security in the region, while calling J&K an “important part of India” and praising its natural beauty.
Gor made the remarks after meeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, during his first visit to Jammu & Kashmir, as per news agency JKNS.
Speaking to reporters, the US Ambassador said the governments in New Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir had taken “incredible steps” towards making the region safer.
“We will be looking at if the travel warning that is imposed, that is recommended by the United States, is something that should be downgraded,” Gor said.
Describing Kashmir as “a beautiful area,” he said many Americans would enjoy experiencing its beauty and opportunities.
“It’s a pleasure to be here. This is an important part of India. I am here, visiting for the first time. It is an incredibly beautiful place. I am thrilled to be here, thrilled to see this place,” he said.
Gor said his meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was “very good” and that follow-up discussions would be taken forward with Washington and New Delhi.
“We have some follow-ups, so we hope to take back to Washington, back to Delhi. But a very warm, a very cordial [meeting] and we look forward to building this relationship forward,” he said.
The remarks assume significance as any change in the US travel advisory could have implications for international tourism and perceptions of the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir. (JKNS)
