Because they are susceptible to terrorist attacks, the advice advised US residents to stay away from tourist destinations, transit hubs, marketplaces and shopping centers, and government buildings.
According to a Level 2 recommendation issued by the US Department of State, American workers and citizens residing in India are advised to “exercise increased caution” in the wake of terrorist attacks and criminal occurrences. Women have also been urged by the Trump administration to avoid traveling alone and to exercise additional caution when visiting tourist attractions and other places.
“Be extra cautious in India because of terrorism and crime.” Risk is higher in some places. In India, there is terrorism and violent crime. In India, rape is one of the crimes with the quickest rate of growth. After a periodic assessment with revisions to entry/exit regulations, the advice was published on June 16 and said that violent crimes, including sexual assault, occur at tourist destinations and other areas.
Since 2022, India has continuously maintained a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) rating. Advisories issued on March 28, July 25, and October 5, 2022, as well as during 2023 and 2024, contained similar cautions regarding crime, terrorism, and women’s safety.
Due to the possibility of terrorist attacks, the advice advised US residents to stay away from tourist destinations, transit hubs, marketplaces, shopping centers, and government buildings.
Following the Pahalgam incident on April 22, in which terrorists from Pakistan killed 26 civilians, the US reaffirmed its concerns, placing particular emphasis on sexual violence.
Due to terrorism and civil turmoil, the State Department advised against traveling to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of trips to the eastern Ladakh region and its city, Leh.
“Violent civil upheaval and terrorist attacks are possible. Along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan, violence is frequent and occurs occasionally in this region. Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, popular tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley, are also violent. Certain locations along the Line of Control are off-limits to international visitors, the Indian authorities said.
Additionally, American citizens were cautioned against traveling to regions close to the international border because to the possibility of an armed clash between India and Pakistan.
The letter stated that the US government’s capacity to provide emergency care to US citizens in remote locations is limited, and it advised women to be extremely cautious.
For example, the State Department stated that “Maoist extremist groups, or Naxalites, are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal” in reference to the Naxal menace. It listed the states that are impacted by naxalism, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, and Odisha.
The warning advised anyone planning a trip to India in the near future to avoid bringing a GPS unit or satellite phone. In India, owning a satellite phone or GPS gadget is against the law and carries a $200,000 fine or a maximum three-year jail sentence. Avoid traveling alone, particularly if you’re a woman.
US citizens in India were also advised to make sure they have travel insurance, review their itinerary, and always be aware of their surroundings.
Center for Congress Attacks
Making the advisory a “shock” and a “embarrassment” for the government, the Congress took advantage of the occasion to criticize the Center.
India Is Startled by a US Travel Warning! The June 2025 update cautions women against traveling alone in India because of the increased risks of terrorism, violence, and rape. Is the PM’s “safe India” narrative coming to an end? “A worldwide disgrace for @narendramodi and @BJP4India,” the Karnataka Congress claimed on X.
