IN the wake of a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the United States has issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, citing ongoing threats of terror and the potential for violent civilian unrest in the Union Territory.
The advisory, released by the U.S. Department of State on Wednesday, 24 April 2025, strongly advises American citizens against travelling to Jammu and Kashmir, excluding visits to eastern Ladakh and its capital, Leh.
This follows the tragic incident in which 26 individuals—mostly tourists—were killed in a brutal assault in Pahalgam, marking the most severe attack in the Valley since the Pulwama strike of 2019.
“Terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” the travel warning stated. “Do not travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh). Violence occurs sporadically in this area and is frequent along the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan. It also affects tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam.”
The advisory also urges U.S. citizens to steer clear of any location within 10 kilometres of the India-Pakistan border due to the risk of armed conflict. This cautionary measure reflects heightened concerns following cross-border tensions and violent episodes that often erupt in the border region.
In a related move, India has responded firmly to the recent developments. On the same day, the Indian government announced the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
Further, it declared a downgrading of diplomatic relations with Islamabad, which includes the expulsion of Pakistan’s military attachés. These decisions underscore New Delhi’s position that the attack in Pahalgam had cross-border links.
The terror strike in Pahalgam has once again drawn international attention to the fragile security environment in the Kashmir Valley, especially in areas frequented by visitors.
The advisory from the United States reflects a growing concern among foreign governments regarding the safety of their nationals in the region.
