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Abdullah said he had a detailed conversation with Gor about possibilities to widen and deepen engagement between J&K and the United States.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor enjoying a shikara ride on the Dal Lake.
In a big message to the world on Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism and security, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor took a shikara ride on Dal Lake on Wednesday evening, while indicating that Washington may review its travel advisory for the Union Territory.
Gor said the advisory “should be downgraded” as security in J&K has improved. He also said many Americans would like to visit the region.
“This is an important part of India. Thrilled to be here,” Gor said during his first visit to J&K.
US Envoy Praises Security In Kashmir
Gor said New Delhi and the Chief Minister Abdullah had taken significant steps to make Kashmir safer.
“We believe New Delhi and the Chief minister here have taken incredible steps to make Kashmir safer,” the US ambassador said, referring to India’s security efforts in the region.
His remarks came alongside his indication that the US travel advisory for J&K is under review.
Gor also said Washington hoped to strengthen its engagement with J&K. He described his meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as “very good”.
The US envoy said follow-up discussions would be held in New Delhi as well as Washington.
Gor Meets Omar Abdullah
Gor held a meeting with Omar Abdullah during his J&K visit. After the meeting, Abdullah said the two sides discussed relations between India and the US, with a specific focus on what the US could do with J&K.
“It was a very good meeting. We had an opportunity to discuss the relations between our two countries but with specific focus on what the US can do with J&K,” Abdullah said.
He added that there were certain legacy issues that would be addressed over time.
Abdullah said he was hopeful and optimistic about taking the engagement forward.
“This is a conversation that will take place both between Ambassador Gor and Washington, and between me and the Govt of India in New Delhi,” he said.
Tourism, Horticulture On Agenda
Abdullah said he had a detailed conversation with Gor about possibilities to widen and deepen engagement between J&K and the United States.
The discussions focused particularly on tourism, horticulture and the new economy.
“We are very hopeful and optimistic that the engagement between the US and J&K will both widen and deepen in the years ahead,” Abdullah said.
Gor’s visit also placed J&K’s tourism potential in focus. He praised the region’s beauty and said many Americans would like to visit.
‘Important Part Of India’
Gor’s first visit to J&K included the shikara ride on Dal Lake, one of the region’s most recognisable tourism experiences.
His comments linked the visit to both tourism and security, with the US envoy highlighting what he described as improved security conditions and suggesting that the existing travel advisory should be reconsidered.
Calling J&K “an important part of India”, Gor said he was “thrilled to be here”.
The visit, meeting with Abdullah and comments on the travel advisory together signal Washington’s interest in strengthening engagement with J&K, with further discussions expected in New Delhi and Washington.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18The US is considering reviewing and potentially easing its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor indicating that it should be downgraded due to improved security in the region.
Ask News18About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra is an Indian journalist with about nine years of experience in covering national politics, geopolitics, defence, diplomacy and international affairs. Her reporting focuses on South As…Read More
Jammu and Kashmir, India, India
August 19, 2026, 6:42 PM IST
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