Congress Slams Govt Over US Travel Warning for India—Here’s Why It Matters
So the US State Department just dropped a travel advisory for India—basically telling Americans to be extra careful if they’re visiting. Level 2 warning, which isn’t the worst (that’d be Level 4—looking at you, Russia), but still. Crime, terrorism, healthcare gaps—they threw it all in there. And guess what? The Congress party’s having a field day with this.
Wait—What Exactly Does the Advisory Say?
Okay, let’s break it down. The US is saying:
- Jammu & Kashmir? Avoid unless you really have to go.
- Big cities? Mostly fine, but keep your wits about you.
- Healthcare? Let’s just say pack your meds.
Now here’s the kicker—Pakistan’s at Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”), but India’s at Level 2. Makes you wonder, right? Especially when our government’s been shouting from rooftops about improved safety.
Congress Goes on the Attack
Oh boy, the opposition didn’t hold back. Shashi Tharoor—never one to miss a chance for a spicy tweet—called it a “diplomatic embarrassment.” His exact words: “First our economy tanks, now this? Who’s running this circus?” (Okay, I paraphrased a bit, but you get the tone.)
And honestly? They’ve got a point. When I was in Delhi last month, sure, there were protests—but nothing like what we saw during the CAA mess. Feels like the US might be working with outdated info.
Govt’s Comeback: “This is BS”
Jaishankar, our Foreign Minister, basically rolled his eyes at the advisory. “India’s perfectly safe,” he says. And look, he’s got receipts—like that new defense deal with the US. But here’s the thing: behind closed doors, word is they’re begging Washington to tone it down. Classic “everything’s fine” while scrambling to fix it.
Meanwhile, on Twitter and Beyond…
#SafeInIndia’s trending, obviously. But talk to actual tour operators? They’ll tell you about cancellations piling up. My cousin runs a homestay in Rajasthan—three bookings gone just this week. And get this—Meghalaya’s tourism minister straight up called the US warning “colonial-era nonsense.” Mic drop.
Why This Actually Hurts
Let me put it this way: tourism brings in crazy money—like 240 billion dollars annually. That’s not just Taj Mahal tickets; we’re talking hotels, guides, street food vendors. And diplomatically? Awkward timing with trade talks already stuck and the US side-eyeing our Russia friendship.
The Pentagon Report Nobody’s Talking About
Here’s something most news channels missed—back in January, the Pentagon quietly released a report mentioning “growing security challenges” in India. Now connect the dots. Was this advisory just waiting for an excuse? The government says the report’s garbage, but you’ve got to wonder.
The Bottom Line
Look, advisories come and go. But between the political mudslinging and actual economic pain, this one stings. Will it blow over? Probably. Unless it doesn’t. Either way, India’s reputation takes another hit—and that’s the real tragedy.
What do you think—fair warning or unnecessary panic? Hit reply, I read every response.
Source: Times of India – Main
