In light of heightened security concerns following recent escalations between India and Pakistan, the Central government has enhanced the security cover of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar by adding an additional bulletproof vehicle to his convoy, top sources confirmed on Wednesday.
Jaishankar, who already receives ‘Z’ category protection from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), will now travel with bolstered security arrangements during his nationwide movements. This move follows a fresh threat assessment by security agencies in the wake of India’s strong military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
The CRPF, which took over Jaishankar’s security from the Delhi Police in 2023, currently provides him round-the-clock protection involving more than a dozen armed commandos. His security level was earlier upgraded from ‘Y’ to ‘Z’ category in October last year.
Sources indicated that the decision to strengthen his convoy with another bulletproof vehicle was made after Operation Sindoor, a major Indian military offensive launched on May 7. The operation targeted terror camps and infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan responded with cross-border shelling and attempted drone incursions, prompting India to carry out further retaliatory strikes that damaged radar systems, communication centers, and airbases across 11 Pakistani military installations. Tensions escalated until a mutual understanding to cease hostilities was reached on May 10.
Given Jaishankar’s high-profile diplomatic role and his central involvement in India’s foreign policy strategy amid such volatile developments, security agencies deemed an enhanced cover necessary.
The CRPF currently provides VIP security to more than 210 individuals, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
