US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Wednesday called Jammu and Kashmir “an important part of India” during his first visit to the Union Territory, signalling Washington’s stated position on the region.
Gor arrived in Srinagar for a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gor described Kashmir as “an incredibly beautiful place” and said the meeting had been “very warm”.
The visit is Gor’s first to Kashmir since Operation Sindoor last year. He also serves as US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia.
Abdullah said the two sides discussed US-India relations, with a specific focus on what Washington could do for Jammu and Kashmir. He said there were “certain legacy issues” that would be addressed over time and expressed hope that engagement between the US and Jammu and Kashmir would expand in the coming years.
Gor also indicated that the US could reconsider its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, citing what he described as improvements in security.
“We will be looking at whether the travel warning that is recommended by the United States is something that should be downgraded,” Gor said, while making clear that he could not make any announcement on a change to the advisory.
The US travel advisory has been a concern for the Jammu and Kashmir administration as it seeks to attract international tourists. No change to the advisory has been announced so far.
Gor’s comments on Kashmir’s status and a possible review of the travel warning are expected to draw attention in New Delhi and Srinagar.
The US envoy will also meet the Dalai Lama in Leh on Friday.