Srinagar, August 20, 2026: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, during his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir, described the Union Territory as an “important part of India” after meeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar.

Gor praised the steps taken by the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government to improve security in the region. He also said that the United States would review its existing travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir and consider whether it should be downgraded.

The US envoy said he was impressed by the beauty of Kashmir and expressed hope for stronger India-US engagement and increased tourism in the region.

His remarks have also triggered a strong reaction from Pakistan, which summoned a senior US diplomat in Islamabad and lodged a formal protest over the statement.