The United States government recently issued a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory for India, citing risks of crime, terrorism, and regional instability. While the advisory urges American citizens to remain vigilant, the decision has ignited fresh debate in India and beyond. Many observers, both Indian and international, see this move as unfairly highlighting India’s challenges while ignoring serious safety concerns that Indian travelers face in the United States itself.
What the US Advisory Says about India
The advisory notes that travelers to India should be cautious due to:
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Rising incidents of sexual violence, especially against women, in public spaces and tourist hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa.
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The threat of terrorist attacks without warning, potentially targeting markets, public transport, religious sites, and government facilities.
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Ongoing tensions and risks in conflict-prone areas like Jammu & Kashmir, parts of the northeast (such as Manipur), and regions affected by Maoist insurgency such as parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
It also points out the limited ability of US authorities to assist in remote regions and urges tourists to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Indian Perspective: Selective Warning?
While no country can deny that India faces certain security challenges—as any vast nation does—critics argue that the US government has selectively magnified India’s issues without introspection on its own domestic problems, especially those impacting foreign visitors.
Prominent social commentators and travel experts in India have labeled this advisory as “one-sided” and “politically motivated”, raising concerns about its potential negative impact on India’s growing tourism industry.
Criticism of the US: Ignoring Its Own Problems
Here’s what many in India and abroad feel the US should also consider:
1. Gun Violence Epidemic in the USA:
The United States faces an unprecedented crisis of mass shootings and firearm-related deaths, with over 600 mass shooting incidents reported in 2024 alone. This is a far higher number compared to any developed nation, making America potentially dangerous for foreign tourists, including Indians.
2. Hate Crimes and Racism:
There has been a notable rise in racially motivated attacks against people of Asian and Indian descent in the US. Cases like the 2024 Texas shooting targeting Indian immigrants have left the Indian diaspora deeply shaken. These incidents rarely receive formal mention in US travel documents for outgoing citizens.
3. Police Violence and Mistreatment of Foreign Nationals:
There are well-documented cases of police misconduct, racial profiling, and wrongful detention of tourists—including Indians—in various parts of the US. Such events are often not acknowledged by US authorities when advising their citizens traveling abroad.
4. Healthcare Risks:
America’s expensive and complex healthcare system can also be risky for tourists. Unexpected medical emergencies could leave travelers burdened with bills amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, especially if uninsured. This problem remains unaddressed in US advisories, while India’s affordable medical care system is ironically one of its biggest attractions.
5. Unstable Internal Regions:
Certain US cities—such as parts of Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Los Angeles—witness high crime rates and are deemed unsafe, especially at night. Indian tourists often report feeling unsafe or uncomfortable in such areas, but these risks are seldom mentioned in India’s advisories to its own citizens visiting America.
India Reacts: A Matter of Fairness
Indian travel analysts suggest that while India acknowledges its domestic problems and constantly works to improve traveler safety—such as deploying tourist police in major cities and improving surveillance at public locations—the US must also practice the same transparency regarding its internal troubles.
Some Indian diplomats, off-record, reportedly expressed disappointment, stating,
“The US cannot keep preaching safety to the world while ignoring its own backyard. Rising gun violence, racial tensions, and healthcare inaccessibility in America are real threats to Indian travelers.”
The Bigger Picture: Mutual Respect in Travel Advisories
Travel advisories play an important role in informing and protecting travelers worldwide. However, observers argue that these must remain objective, non-political, and balanced. When one country highlights only the risks of another while downplaying its own issues, it creates diplomatic discomfort and sends a wrong message to potential tourists and investors.
If both India and the US exchange fair advisories that reflect reality without diplomatic prejudice, global travelers can make better, informed decisions.
Advice for Indian Travelers Visiting the USA
Given the current situation, Indian travelers to the US should also exercise caution in areas such as:
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Avoiding late-night travel in certain US cities known for violent crime.
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Staying informed on regions with high gun violence rates.
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Being cautious of racial profiling or hate-motivated aggression, especially in less-diverse areas.
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Ensuring health insurance coverage to prevent massive medical expenses.
