The Union government has upgraded the security cover for External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, according to sources cited by news agency ANI. As part of the enhanced security arrangement, an additional bulletproof vehicle has been added to his convoy to strengthen protection during his travels across the country.
Jaishankar currently receives ‘Z’ category security from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which includes a team of over a dozen armed commandos providing round-the-clock protection during his movements and stays nationwide. This latest upgrade follows a fresh threat assessment by intelligence agencies, which called for increased security for senior officials, particularly those involved in key foreign policy roles.
Notably, in October last year, Jaishankar’s security level was elevated from ‘Y’ to ‘Z’ category, with the CRPF taking over his protection from the Delhi Police. The 70-year-old minister is now part of a select group of around 210 individuals receiving VIP security from the CRPF. This list includes Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, the Dalai Lama, and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
The decision to strengthen Jaishankar’s security comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
