U.S. issues controversial travel advisory, Indian Minister Shekhawat responds

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-06-27 09:57:12 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-06-27 12:04:20

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India has hit back at the U.S. after it issued a travel advisory, advising its citizens to exercise caution when travelling to the Indian capital of Delhi, amid reports of crime and terrorism. Union Minister Rajendra Shekhawat has responded to the advisory, saying that the U.S. should have reflected before issuing such a warning. What is the reality of the situation in Delhi, and what measures are being taken to ensure the safety of tourists?

The recent advisory issued by the U.S. Government on Tuesday, highlighting crimes against women and warning its citizens to exercise alertness when in Delhi, has sparked controversy and criticism from Indian officials. The advisory issued by its embassy in India states that "there have been reports of crimes committed against women, including sexual assault", and that tourists should be cautious due to 'terrorism and heightened risks of crime'. This triggered a response from Union Minister Rajendra Shekhawat, who, in an interview with ANI, called the advisory ill-timed and reflective. He said, "I believe that the US Government should look inward. They should first take a look at the condition of women in their own country before commenting on other nations."

The controversial statement comes after many recent reports of sexual assaults on women in Delhi, including an incident last week where a 25-year-old Swiss woman was sexually assaulted in her hotel in Paharganj, a popular tourist destination. Shekhawat's comments have brought attention to a wider issue and highlight the Indian government's focus on ensuring the safety of tourists. However, some argue that these advisories fail to recognise the real dangers that women face in India.

The reality is that Delhi, like many other metropolitan cities, does face challenges related to crime and safety. Tourists, especially women, need to be cautious and aware of their surroundings at all times. While the U.S. advisory may have been controversial, it sheds light on these issues and encourages the relevant authorities to take action and improve safety measures.

As a result of these developments, the Ministry of Tourism has initiated a program named "Tourism for All", which aims to enhance the country's tourism infrastructure and develop unique tourism products. They are also working to improve the safety of tourists across the country.

Despite the criticisms and ongoing challenges, India remains a popular destination for tourists worldwide. As tourists start to return to the country, it's vital to recognise the strides India has made in ensuring visitor safety and the action taken to address these issues.

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