US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” during his first visit to the Union Territory. He also said that the United States would review its travel advisories for the region. His remarks came during his visit to Srinagar on Wednesday and indicate a notable change in the tone of Washington’s engagement with Jammu and Kashmir.

The US State Department currently places Jammu and Kashmir, except eastern Ladakh and Leh, under a Level 4 “Do not travel” advisory. The warning cites terrorism and civil unrest as key security concerns. The advisory also lists Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam among places where American citizens could face the risk of violence.

Gor’s visit marks his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir since he took charge as the US ambassador to India and President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. His visit also comes amid heightened regional tensions following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

During his engagements in Kashmir, Gor indicated that the United States could review its travel advisory for the region. The issue has remained a concern for Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism sector. Local leaders have repeatedly argued that the highest-level warning affects the flow of foreign tourists and creates a negative perception about the security situation in the region.

The issue was also raised by former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and People’s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti. She made a direct appeal to Gor to reconsider and withdraw the highest-level travel warning for Kashmir. Mufti said the advisory has a direct impact on families that depend on tourism for their livelihood.

“For Kashmir, where thousands of families depend on tourism, the travel advisory on Kashmir is more than a warning, it is a wall between Kashmir and the world,” Mufti said in a post on X.

Gor’s description of Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” also carries diplomatic significance. The region remains a sensitive issue in relations between India and Pakistan. His remarks came during a visit that is being closely watched for indications of the US approach towards Kashmir. The ambassador is also scheduled to travel to Ladakh after completing his engagements in Kashmir.

The visit represents one of the more significant recent engagements by a senior US official in Jammu and Kashmir. It also comes as India and the United States work to strengthen their wider strategic partnership.

Ahead of Gor’s arrival, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he would discuss issues concerning the Union Territory with the US ambassador. However, he made it clear that he would not use the meeting to complain about India or seek solutions from Washington.

“It is after a very long time that a US ambassador is visiting Jammu and Kashmir. For me personally, it has been a long time since I met any American ambassador. Let him come; we will sit and talk,” Abdullah told reporters, according to news agency PTI.

Abdullah said he expected to listen to Gor during their meeting. He also noted that the US ambassador was coming to listen to the concerns of people in the region.

“Let’s see what kind of conversation takes place when he comes to meet this afternoon,” he said.

Abdullah stressed that he did not believe issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir should be taken to a foreign government. He said the Centre remains responsible for addressing the Union Territory’s concerns.

“It has never been my habit to lodge complaints about my country to an ambassador of another country. The resolution to our issues will not come from Washington; the resolution to our problems lies with our central government,” Abdullah added.

He further said that raising complaints about India’s internal affairs with a foreign ambassador would not be appropriate.

“So, I believe it would be very inappropriate to complain about our country to an ambassador of another country. That is not my habit,” he added.

Gor’s visit also follows his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in June. The two discussed issues including counter-terrorism, narcotics control, border security and cooperation between law-enforcement agencies. His trip to Jammu and Kashmir is his first since taking office earlier this year. After his engagements in Kashmir, Gor is expected to travel to Ladakh.