India-Pakistan tensions: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's security enhanced with additional bulletproof vehicle

Representational Image. Pic/ PTI

Amid the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, the Central government has enhanced the security cover of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar. The External Affairs Minister's convoy will now have an additional bulletproof vehicle, top sources said on Wednesday.

S. Jaishankar, who currently receives 'Z' category armed protection from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), will now have an enhanced security vehicle for his nationwide movements.

As per the inputs from ANI, the CRPF made this decision after a recent threat assessment linked to India-Pakistan tensions. These threats indicated that the need for increased protection for MEA's convoy is essential.

In October 2024, the CRPF raised Jaishankar's security level from 'Y' to the 'Z' category. Amid the tense situation, it has come to light that the CRPF had taken over the charge of Jaishankar's security from the Delhi Police.

The CRPF currently provides round-the-clock Z-category security cover for Minister of External Affairs Mr. S Jaishankar, 69. The foreign minister is currently being guarded by an armed team of CRPF personnel. This team includes over a dozen armed commandos during movement and his stay across the country.

The CRPF provides VIP security to 210 people in India, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, the Dalai Lama, and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

However, the decision to strengthen EAM security occurred in the wake of increased India-Pakistan tensions following India's determined military reaction to the April 22 terror assault in Pahalgam, according to ANI.

Operation Sindoor, started on May 7, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing approximately 100 terrorists linked with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Following the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border, prompting India to launch a coordinated attack that damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres, and airfields at 11 Pakistani air bases. On May 10, an agreement to end hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced. Since the ceasefire agreement between the two countries, situations have been on and off around the valley and the border regions.

(With ANI inputs)