Srinagar: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor sent a strong message to the world on Wednesday by saying that Kashmir is an important part of India.
During his maiden visit to the state, Gor took a ride on a Shikara on the Dal Lake in the evening and said that he was “thrilled” to be there.
The US Ambassador also indicated that Washington may review its travel advisory for the state.
The advisory “should be downgraded” as security in Jammu and Kashmir has improved. He also said many Americans would like to visit the region, as reported by News18.
“This is an important part of India. Thrilled to be here,” Gor said.
New Delhi and the chief minister Omar Abdullah had taken significant steps to make Kashmir safer, he said.
“We believe New Delhi and the chief minister here have taken incredible steps to make Kashmir safer,” he said.
Washington hoped to strengthen its engagement with J&K, he said, describing his meeting with the CM as “very good”. Follow-up discussions would be held in New Delhi as well as Washington, the envoy said.
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,” the CM said.
There were certain legacy issues that would be addressed over time, Abdullah added, saying 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.
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.
The US envoy’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.