Srinagar, Aug 19: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Wednesday said Kashmir is an important part of India and stated that the United States would review its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir and will assess whether the current warning should be downgraded.

Gor arrived in Srinagar in the afternoon and after his arrival held a more than hour long meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his Gupkar residence.
Addressing a joint media briefing after the meeting, the US envoy described the Union Territory as an "important part of India" and acknowledged the steps taken by the administration to improve security in the region.
"This is an important part of India and so I am here visiting for the first time. It is an incredibly beautiful place and so I'm thrilled to be here, thrilled to see this place," Gor said.
He announced that Washington periodically reviews its travel advisories and would re-examine the one currently in place for Jammu and Kashmir.
"The United States puts out travel warnings, and every so often we re-evaluate those travel warnings. I cannot make any big announcements here today, but it is something we're going to look at," the ambassador told reporters.
He said the US believed that the government and the administration in Jammu and Kashmir had taken significant steps to improve safety.
"New Delhi, the Chief Minister here, the Government here, we believe have made some incredible steps to keeping this area safer and making it more safe," he said.
Gor said Washington would review whether the current travel advisory remained appropriate.
"We will be looking at if the travel warning that is imposed, that is recommended by the United States, is something that should be downgraded," he said.
Describing Kashmir as a place of immense natural beauty, the ambassador said many Americans would enjoy visiting the region.
"This is a beautiful area. I think a lot of Americans would enjoy coming here and seeing the beauty and opportunities that exist here," he added.
The remarks assume significance as the United States currently advises its citizens not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir, except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and Leh, citing security concerns.
Gor also expressed optimism about future engagement between the United States and Jammu and Kashmir.
"We look forward to building this relationship forward," he said.
Following the meeting, Gor shared a post on X, saying he appreciated the opportunity to meet the Chief Minister and learn more about his priorities.
"Appreciated the opportunity to meet with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister @OmarAbdullah and to learn more about his priorities. We discussed ways to deepen economic collaboration and create opportunities that would mutually benefit both of our nations," the Ambassador wrote.
Ambassador Gor, who is also the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday as part of his first official visit to Jammu and Kashmir. He is scheduled to travel to Ladakh on Thursday.
The United States delegation included Senior Advisor Chester (Brand) Kroeger, Chief of Staff Lisa Browne, First Secretary Gary Applegarth, and Political Advisor A. Sukesh.
From the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, the meeting was attended by Cabinet Minister Sakeena Itoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Gurwinder Singh Oberoi and Member of the Legislative Assembly, Tanvir Sadiq.