This Public Announcement is being issued to note that although the risk of renewed increased tensionsbetween India and Pakistan cannot be ruled out, tensions have subsided. This Announcement further notes thatauthorized departure for U.S. Government personnel in non-emergency positions and all family members has beenlifted, and those who departed in early June may return to India. This Public Announcement supersedes theTravel Warning for India issued June 26, 2002, and it expires on November 20, 2002.
The Department notes that the high level of tension between India and Pakistan that existed at the end ofMay and the beginning of June has further subsided. This condition reflects continuing diplomatic activity anda return to normalcy in most aspects of public and economic life in India. However, military mobilization bythe two countries remains in place along the Line of Control and the international boundary, and the risk ofrenewed tension cannot be totally ruled out.
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U.S. Government personnel are now allowed to travel freely to India on official business. Those U.S.Government personnel in non-emergency positions and all family members who departed earlier are now returningto India. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates are expected to operate at normal staffing levels in the nearfuture.
As always, American citizens who travel to or reside in India should monitor the media for existingconditions, and should feel free to obtain updated information from the U.S. Embassy or the nearest Consulate.
The Department recommends that Americans avoid travel to all border areas between India and Pakistan,including those regions within the border states of Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan, and in all of the state ofJammu & Kashmir. The Indian Government has closed most land and air links with Pakistan. Militarymovements continue along both the Line of Control in Kashmir and the border between India and Pakistan.Terrorist groups, some of which are linked to al-Qaeda and have previously been implicated in attacks onAmericans, are active there as well, and have attacked and killed civilians.
