Travel Alone to India: The sudden travel advisory issued by the US for its citizens, especially women, to India is causing consternation. The US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel warning for Americans traveling to India. According to this warning issued on June 16, rapes and terrorist attacks are on the rise in India. It is noteworthy that women are advised not to travel to the country alone. It said, ‘Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes and terrorist attacks are taking place at tourist spots, markets, transportation hubs, and government buildings.’ This is evidence of a clear change in America’s stance on India. Recently, Donald Trump has been eager for friendship with Pakistan.
The US government said it was limited in its ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in rural areas. It said that eastern Maharashtra, northern Telangana, and West Bengal were particularly at risk. For this reason, it advised US government employees working in India to obtain special permission to travel to these areas. The travel advisory also clarified some Indian laws:
“It is illegal in India to own satellite phones or GPS devices. Doing so can result in a fine of up to $200,000 or imprisonment for up to three years. Women should not travel alone,” it said. The advisory said the areas requiring the highest level of vigilance are Jammu and Kashmir, the India-Pakistan border, and eastern and central India (especially Maoist-affected areas).
It said that special permission is required for American employees to travel to other areas except state capitals. It has been clarified that prior permission must be obtained for travel to Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, East Maharashtra and East Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile , the developments like Trump’s visit to the US before Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Canada are raising suspicions that something is going to happen.
Crossing the India-Nepal border by land route should be avoided as it poses a risk of immigration problems, detention, and fines.
Northeastern states like Manipur, Assam, and Tripura were specifically mentioned. A warning was issued that the security situation there is unstable. However, this travel advisory is against the Indian government. The US advisory is in the international perspective that some areas of India are not safe. Moreover, Trump personally invited the Pakistani army chief for lunch at the White House. Asim Munir’s five-day visit to the country aims to strengthen military and strategic ties with the US. America is pressing the envelope by saying that India is an ally and Pakistan is also its friend. In this context, only time will tell what other decisions the US will take regarding India.
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