The Indian National Congress has strongly criticized the Indian government's silence following the United States' recent travel advisory discouraging its citizens from visiting India. The advisory, issued by the U.S. State Department, urges American citizens to exercise increased caution while traveling to India due to crime and terrorism, including specific warnings for women.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate voiced the party's concerns, calling the government's silence a "diplomatic failure" that could have far-reaching consequences for India's image, tourism, and investments. Shrinate highlighted the irony of the situation, noting that Pakistan, a country known to harbor terrorists, does not have a similar advisory in place. She questioned why the Indian government hasn't registered a protest, emphasizing the potential damage to India's standing on the international stage.
The U.S. advisory, updated on June 16, 2025, cites rising incidents of violent crime, including sexual assault, as a major concern. It specifically advises women against traveling alone in India, pointing out that "rape is one of the fastest-growing crimes" in the country. The advisory also warns of terrorist threats, advising U.S. citizens to avoid certain parts of central and eastern India due to the activity of Maoist extremist groups. Furthermore, it notes the U.S. government's limited ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in rural areas.
The Congress party has also criticized the Modi government for allegedly patronizing culprits responsible for heinous crimes against women, particularly rape. Shrinate stated that the government has failed to provide justice to half the population and has failed to secure India's interests in the world.
The advisory also includes specific recommendations for U.S. government employees working in India, requiring them to obtain permission before traveling to most areas in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Odisha. It also advises against crossing the India-Nepal border by land due to the risk of immigration-related detention and fines, as electronic visas are not accepted at land border crossings.
The U.S. State Department considers India a "Level 2" country for travelers, urging increased caution. The advisory's updated language includes sharper warnings about violent crime, sexual violence, regional unrest, and immigration issues, particularly for solo women travelers and those entering India from neighboring countries like Nepal. It also identifies tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities as potential sites for terrorist attacks.
The Congress party's criticism comes at a time when India is seeking international cooperation and support. The party argues that the U.S. advisory undermines these efforts and damages India's reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. The party has called on the government to take immediate action to address the concerns raised by the advisory and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens and visitors to India.
