The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged the updated travel advisory issued by the United States for its citizens traveling to India. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, addressed the matter during a recent media briefing, emphasizing that such advisories are periodically issued by countries based on their assessment of various factors.

The U.S. Department of State has maintained India at Level 2, advising American citizens to exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism. The advisory, reissued on June 16, 2025, after a routine review, includes updates to entry and exit requirements. It highlights specific risks, including violent crime, sexual assault, and terrorism, particularly in certain regions of the country. The advisory also points out the U.S. government's limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in rural areas stretching from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal.

The U.S. advisory also advises against travel to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest. It also places a "Do Not Travel" directive for the state of Manipur, citing ongoing ethnic violence and instability. Specific warnings are given regarding land border crossings, particularly the India-Nepal border, due to the risk of immigration-related detention and fines.

In response to concerns about new U.S. visa guidelines requiring applicants to provide social media identifiers, the MEA has emphasized that Indian nationals' visa applications should be evaluated based on merit. The MEA has assured that India remains engaged with the U.S. on mobility and consular issues to safeguard the legitimate interests of Indian nationals.

Despite these concerns, the MEA spokesperson expressed confidence in the India-U.S. relationship, describing it as a wide-ranging partnership grounded in shared democratic values and growing strategic convergence. The comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two countries continues to receive high-level attention and is manifested in sustained dialogue and cooperation across sectors, including trade, critical technology, energy, and defense.

It's important to note some recurring points in the U.S. travel advisory:

• Crime and Terrorism: The advisory urges increased caution due to the risks of crime and terrorism throughout India. It highlights that rape is one of the fastest-growing crimes, and violent crimes, including sexual assault, occur at tourist sites and other locations.
• Regional Risks: The advisory advises against travel to certain parts of central and eastern India due to the activity of Maoist extremist groups. It also advises against travel to Manipur due to ongoing ethnic violence.
• Limited U.S. Government Assistance: The advisory notes that the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in rural areas.
• Restrictions for U.S. Government Employees: U.S. government employees working in India require prior approval before traveling to certain states and regions.
• Specific Advice for Travelers: The advisory warns against carrying satellite phones or GPS devices, as they are illegal in India. It also advises women not to travel alone.

The MEA views the U.S. travel advisory as a routine matter, with countries issuing such advisories from time to time based on their assessments. India also issues travel advisories for its citizens traveling abroad.