New Delhi, June 4
Even as US Under Secretary of State William Burns travels to New Delhi next week, the US embassy here has issued an advisory to all
US citizens resident in or travelling to India that there was a high threat from terrorism
throughout this country.
“As terror attacks are a serious and growing threat, US citizens are urged to always practice good security, including maintaining a
heightened situational awareness and a low profile,’’ the advisory pasted on the mission’s website said.
“Americans in India should be vigilant at all times and monitor local news reports and vary their routes and times in carrying out daily activities,’’ it added.
The American citizens were also advised to consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues. The US advisory prompted New Delhi to react sharply with Home Minister P Chidambaram asserting that India was safer than many countries in the world. He said
New Delhi would persuade Washington to withdraw the advisory.
The issue may be taken up when Burns visits New Delhi next week.
Foreign affairs experts said the US might once again be trying to hyphenate India and Pakistan since such an advisory has also been issued by
the American mission in Islamabad.
