US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Wednesday described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” during his first visit to the Union Territory and indicated that Washington would reconsider its travel advisory for the region.
Gor made the remarks during his visit to Srinagar, which comes amid efforts by India and the US to strengthen their broader strategic relationship. His visit is also being closely watched for indications of Washington’s approach towards Jammu and Kashmir.
The US State Department currently places Jammu and Kashmir, except eastern Ladakh and Leh, under a Level 4 “Do not travel” advisory, citing terrorism and civil unrest.
Gor said the US would reconsider its travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir, responding to concerns over the impact of the warning on tourism.
The existing advisory warns American citizens against travelling to Jammu and Kashmir, except eastern Ladakh and Leh. It cites the risk of terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest, and specifically mentions Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam among places where violence could occur.
The advisory has been a concern for the tourism sector in the region, with political leaders calling for its review as security conditions improve.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and People's Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti had also appealed to Gor to withdraw the highest-level advisory, saying it affected thousands of families dependent on tourism.
Gor’s description of Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” is significant given the longstanding dispute over the region between India and Pakistan.
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His remarks came during his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since taking charge as US ambassador to India and President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. He is also scheduled to travel to Ladakh following his engagements in Kashmir.
The visit marks one of the more significant engagements by a senior US official in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.
The region has remained under heightened security scrutiny since the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent military confrontation between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Ahead of Gor’s visit, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he would discuss issues concerning the Union Territory with the US ambassador but would not use the meeting to raise complaints about India.
Abdullah said he would prefer to listen to Gor during their meeting and hear what the US envoy had come to discuss.
“It has never been my habit to lodge complaints about my country to an ambassador of another country,” Abdullah said, adding that the resolution to Jammu and Kashmir’s problems would have to come from the Centre and not Washington.
Gor’s visit comes as India and the US continue discussions on counter-terrorism, border security and law-enforcement cooperation. The envoy had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in June, with the talks covering counter-terrorism, narcotics control, border security and related issues.
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