Congress Slams US Travel Advisory, Blames Modi Govt for Failure

The Congress has sharply criticised the United States government’s recent travel advisory on India, calling it a serious diplomatic setback and a glaring example of the Modi government’s failure on the foreign policy front. The advisory cautions American citizens, particularly women, against travelling alone in India and requires US government employees to obtain prior permission before visiting the country.

Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, Congress spokesperson and Chairperson of the party’s Digital and Social Media Platforms, Supriya Shrinate, described the advisory as “ironic and insulting,” especially when no similar warning has been issued for Pakistan, “a country that openly shelters terrorists.”

“It’s shocking that there’s silence from the Indian government on this development, which can have far-reaching consequences,” Shrinate said. “This comes from the same country whose leaders Modi tried to woo through grand events like Howdy Modi, Namaste Trump, and Abki Baar Trump Sarkar.”

She also took a jibe at those in India who had performed special rituals praying for Donald Trump’s electoral victory, calling the gesture misplaced in light of recent developments.

Shrinate alleged that despite Prime Minister Modi’s extensive foreign tours over the past decade, aimed at cultivating personal relationships with global leaders, India’s diplomatic standing continues to erode. “While Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir is welcomed with red carpet treatment, India is being slapped with travel advisories. This contrast speaks volumes,” she said.

She warned that the US advisory could severely damage India’s global image and impact key sectors like tourism and foreign investment. “This isn’t just a matter of prestige. It can affect livelihoods and dent public perception across the world,” Shrinate stated.

The Congress spokesperson also condemned reports that former US President Donald Trump had mentioned PM Modi and Pakistani military chief Asim Munir in the same breath. “It is unacceptable that the Prime Minister of India is being equated with a military commander known for aiding terrorism. This is not just an insult, it is a foreign policy disaster.”

According to Shrinate, this incident is just the latest in a series of diplomatic humiliations under the Modi administration. She cited Trump’s past statements about mediating ceasefires, imposing trade tariffs, and the treatment of Indian nationals during deportations, including being handcuffed and mistreated.

While criticising the US advisory, Shrinate also pointed to serious internal issues, particularly concerning women's safety in India. She highlighted that 45 crimes against women are reported every hour in the country, and accused the BJP of sheltering individuals accused of heinous crimes, including rape.

“You have failed to provide justice to 50% of the country’s population, and you have failed to defend India’s dignity on the global stage,” she said.

The Congress party has urged the Government of India to raise the issue firmly with the US administration and to focus more seriously on addressing the ground realities that have contributed to such advisories.

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