“India is a safe place – it’s safer than many other countries of the world. Thousands of tourists come to India and we look forward to welcoming them,” said Home Minister P Chidambaram in response to an ‘Urgent Warden Message’ issued by the US embassy website.
Chidambaram said he did not see “any justification” for the travel advisory. “We will certainly ask the Ministry of External Affairs to speak to the United States to withdraw that advisory,” he added.
The US embassy, in its advisory, reminded all US citizens resident in or travelling to India that there was a high threat from terrorism throughout India. The alert said that as terror attacks are a serious and growing threat, US citizens are urged to always practice good security, including maintaining a heightened situational awareness and a low profile.
It went on to add that Americans in India should be vigilant at all times and monitor local news reports and vary their routes and times in carrying out daily activities. Americans should consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues.
