S Jaishankar’s security enhanced with two bulletproof vehicles: Government sources
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has increased the security of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, according to government sources. Two bullet-resistant vehicles have been added following a review of the Z category security cover provided to him. Security measures around his residence in Delhi have also been tightened.
The sources told that a recent review of Jaishankar’s armed security was undertaken by central intelligence agencies, and they recommended the addition of bullet-resistant vehicles to his Z category convoy.
The security requirements necessitated the addition of two new vehicles that are bullet resistant and this arrangement has been made recently, they said.
Jaishankar already has Z-category security, provided by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos. A team of 33 commandos is deployed to protect him round the clock.
This comes amid heightened military tensions between India and Pakistan along the border after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
The Z-category security cover, the second-highest degree of security in India, includes 22 personnel, including 4 to 6 commandos from the National Security Guard (NSG) and local police, along with at least one bulletproof vehicle. It also provides escort vehicles. This level of security is typically assigned to high-profile politicians and celebrities, especially those facing specific threats.
The Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) VIP security wing provides armed cover to the minister. The VIP security cover under the central protection list begins from Z-plus (Advanced Security Liaison) to Z-plus, Z, Y, Y-plus and X. The CRPF’s VIP security cover has about 200 protectees at present, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Congress’ first family- Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Earlier, in October 2023, Jaishankar’s security had been upgraded from Y to Z category. The upgrade was reportedly based on a threat assessment by the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
At the time, as part of the security detail, 12 armed static guards were stationed at the Union Minister’s residence, along with six Personal Security Officers (PSOs), 12 armed escort commandos deployed in three shifts, three watchers working in shifts, and three trained drivers present round the clock.
