EAM Jaishankar’s security upgraded amid escalating India-Pak tensions

New Delhi: The security cover of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been significantly enhanced with the addition of two bullet-resistant vehicles to his convoy, official sources confirmed on Wednesday. The development follows a security review conducted by central intelligence agencies amid rising regional tensions.

The move comes in response to the recent military escalation between India and Pakistan and New Delhi’s strong diplomatic response to Islamabad following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. Intelligence agencies reassessed Jaishankar’s threat perception and recommended an upgrade to his convoy’s protection as a precautionary measure.

Jaishankar, 70, has played a pivotal role in India's diplomatic engagement since the crisis began. He has led high-level discussions with global leaders and foreign ministers on 'Operation Sindoor', India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack, and has been central to shaping India’s strategic foreign policy during this volatile period.

This security enhancement builds upon a previous upgrade in October 2024, when Jaishankar’s protection level was raised from ‘Y’ category to ‘Z’ category—the second-highest tier in the central VIP security system. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), through its VIP security division, continues to provide armed protection to him.

Currently, the CRPF safeguards around 200 prominent individuals, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The centrally administered VIP security system comprises five tiers: Z-plus, Z, Y-plus, Y, and X, with Z-plus being the highest.

With IANS inputs