New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Centre has enhanced the security cover of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar.
The minister’s convoy will now have an additional bulletproof vehicle. The security has also been heightened around his residence.
EAM Jaishankar already has Z-category security, in which a team of 33 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos is deployed for his protection 24/7.
The move comes amid India-Pakistan tensions, which spiralled into a short military conflict after Pakistan chose to strike Indian civilian and military targets using drones and missiles in response to India’s precision strikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7.
The threat evaluation flagged heightened risk levels for senior Indian officials involved in national security and foreign policy.
The latest move follows an earlier upgrade in October 2024, when Jaishankar’s security was elevated from ‘Y’ to ‘Z’ category.
Jaishankar is among over 210 high-profile individuals under CRPF protection, including Home Minister Amit Shah, road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and spiritual leader Dalai Lama.
EAM Jaishankar, 69, has been a prominent face of India’s diplomatic stance in the wake of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.
The Z-category security cover is the third-highest level of protection in India. It includes 22 security personnel — among them 4 to 6 commandos from the National Security Guard (NSG) and local police officers.
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The person also gets at least one bulletproof car and escort vehicles. This type of security is usually given to well-known politicians or celebrities who may be facing serious threats.
The police are also reviewing the security cover for Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other BJP leaders, including Union Ministers and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
