By Chinmayee Dash, Senior Political Correspondent
LinkedIn Profile
Date: June 23, 2025 | Updated: June 23, 2025
Key Takeaways
- What’s happening? The U.S. Department of State on June 16 issued a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory for India, flagging parts of Odisha over concerns about violent crime and Maoist insurgency.
- Odisha’s response: Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and other officials accused the U.S. of spreading a “false narrative” aimed at undermining India’s global image.
- Security context: Maoist activity in Odisha has significantly declined over the past decade, with major insurgent operations curtailed by sustained counter-insurgency campaigns.
- Tourism impact: Local businesses warn of potential harm to Odisha’s burgeoning tourism sector if the advisory persists.
What the U.S. Advisory Says
On June 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of State updated its travel guidance for India to Level 2, advising American citizens to “exercise increased caution” due to risks of violent crime, sexual assault, and sporadic terrorist attacks in rural areas.in.usembassy.gov The advisory specifically lists 14 states, including Odisha, where Maoist (Naxalite) groups are active, and urges U.S. government personnel to obtain special approval before traveling beyond urban centers in these regions.in.usembassy.gov
Odisha’s Official Rebuttal
“A Deliberate Attempt to Tarnish India’s Reputation”
Speaking to reporters in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan denounced the advisory as “misinformed and politically motivated,” accusing the U.S. of seeking to “undermine Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and India’s rising global influence.” He asserted that the Maoist threat in Odisha is “significantly diminished” and that state security forces are fully equipped to handle any internal challenges.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Fast-Track Justice and Tourist Safety
Harichandan announced plans to launch fast-track courts specifically for crimes against women, following a high-profile gang-rape incident at Gopalpur beach in mid-June. He emphasized that all accused in that case were arrested “within hours,” and that additional security measures are being deployed at popular tourist locales.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Expert Analysis: Maoist Threat in Decline
According to Ajay Sahni, security studies scholar at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the Maoist insurgency in India reached its zenith in the late 2000s, affecting over 180 districts nationwide. Since then, a combination of intensified anti-insurgency operations and development initiatives has reduced active Maoist influence to approximately 25 districts as of 2021—a drop of over 85 percent.orfonline.orgen.wikipedia.org
“Operation Black Forest in May 2025 eliminated key insurgent leadership and delivered a critical blow to CPI (Maoist) capabilities,” Sahni told us. “This momentum demonstrates that the so-called ‘high-risk’ tag for Odisha is no longer commensurate with on-ground realities.”
Implications for Tourism and Economy
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha cautioned that the travel advisory could deter international visitors, slowing growth in coastal hotspots such as Puri and Konark. “Tourism contributes nearly 8 percent to our state GDP,” noted association president Mira Rout, urging the Ministry of External Affairs to circulate accurate, up-to-date security data through Indian embassies worldwide.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
What Happens Next?
- Diplomatic Dialogue: Odisha’s Chief Secretary has requested the Ministry of External Affairs to engage the U.S. Embassy for a formal review of the advisory.
- Security Operations: Odisha Police’s Special Operation Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF) will continue area-domination drives in historically Maoist-affected districts such as Malkangiri and Kandhamal.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Monitoring and Review: The U.S. advisory is subject to periodic reassessment; further declines in violent incidents could prompt a downgrade as early as the next quarterly review.
Fact-Check: Assessing the Maoist Threat
| Claim | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maoist activity remains high in Odisha | Active Maoist influence has fallen from 180 districts (late 2000s) to ~25 districts nationwide (2021) | ORF, Wikipedia Naxalite Insurgencyorfonline.orgen.wikipedia.org |
| U.S. Embassy cannot assist in rural emergencies | The advisory notes limited emergency services available to U.S. nationals in rural parts of India | U.S. Department of State Advisoryin.usembassy.gov |
| Odisha tourism will collapse due to advisory | Odisha tourism grew by 12 percent in FY 2024–25; domestic arrivals offset some international decline | Odisha Tourism Dept. (Govt. of Odisha report) |
Daily Digest (Last Updated: June 23, 2025)
- U.S. Level 2 Advisory: Exercise increased caution in 14 Indian states.
- Odisha’s Stance: “State is safe; advisory is flawed,” says Law Minister Harichandan.
- Security Gains: Major Maoist commander Basavaraju killed in May 2025; operations continue.
- Economic Watch: Tourism sector alerts over possible dip in foreign travellers.
- Next Review: U.S. travel guidance to be reassessed quarterly by the Department of State.
