New Delhi, June 22 -- The US State Department has issued a Level-2 travel advisory for India, urging travellers to "exercise increased caution" due to the risks of crime and terrorism. The updated guidance was released on June 16 and underlines specific areas where safety concerns are heightened. The advisory warns that "rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India," and that "violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations." It also noted that "terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, government facilities."

The statement added that the US government has "limited ability to provide emergency services to US citi...