Enhanced Security Measures for India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar

Strengthening Security for Minister Jaishankar

Following a review of the 'Z' category security assigned to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, two new bulletproof vehicles have been added to his convoy to bolster his protection.

Official sources disclosed this information on Wednesday. The decision comes in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, and subsequent punitive diplomatic actions taken by India against Pakistan, alongside military tensions between the two nations.

Jaishankar is at the forefront of the Ministry of External Affairs' diplomatic initiatives concerning Pakistan. He is also engaging with leaders and foreign ministers from various countries regarding India's 'Operation Sindoor', launched in response to the Pahalgam incident.

Sources informed that recent assessments by central intelligence agencies prompted a review of Jaishankar's armed security, leading to the recommendation for the inclusion of bulletproof vehicles in his 'Z' category convoy.

Given the security requirements, the addition of these two bulletproof vehicles was deemed necessary and has been implemented recently. Earlier in 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs upgraded Jaishankar's security from 'Y' to 'Z' category following similar reviews and threat assessments.

The VIP security branch of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is responsible for providing armed protection to the minister. Currently, around 200 security personnel from the CRPF are assigned to protect key figures, including Home Minister Amit Shah and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.