The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has increased the security of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, according to government sources. A special bulletproof car has been added to his security detail. Security measures around his residence in Delhi have also been tightened.
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 third-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.
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.
Source: India Today