In the backdrop of US travel advisory on "security concerns" over travel to certain parts of India including Andhra Pradesh, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Wednesday said foreign tourists have "nothing to worry".
"Let me scotch all speculative reports that India is a country infested by terrorists. I would like to reject this totally," he told reporters in New Delhi.
Stating that India is a very safe country, Krishna said "you find thousands of foreigners who have been freely going about wherever they feel like. And I would like to assure the foreign tourists, visitors and others that they don't have to worry about it."
Apprehending Mumbai-type terrorist attack in various parts of India, the US alerted its citizens to be cautious during their visit to that country and asked them to defer their travel to Andhra Pradesh as violence continues over issue of separate Telangana state.
This is the third travel alert issued by the US in quick session. The first two were issued on October 29 and December 29.
"The US government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and their sympathisers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit," the travel alert said.
{{/usCountry}}"The US government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and their sympathisers have demonstrated their willingness and capability to attack targets where Americans or Westerners are known to congregate or visit," the travel alert said.
{{/usCountry}}"In addition, there continues to be a possibility of violence in the south-central Indian state of Andhra Pradesh over the contentious issue of creating a separate state," the State Department said.