India, Aug. 19 -- US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Wednesday called Jammu and Kashmir an "important part of India" during his first visit to the Union Territory, while also saying the United States would reconsider its travel advisories for the region.

Gor made the remarks during his visit to Srinagar, signalling a significant shift in the tone of Washington's engagement with Jammu and Kashmir. The US State Department currently places Jammu and Kashmir, except eastern Ladakh and Leh, under a Level 4 "Do not travel" advisory, citing terrorism and civil unrest.

Gor's visit is his first to Jammu and Kashmir since taking charge as US ambassador to India and President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. It also comes...