PM Security Lapses in India: Causes, Cases & Reforms
Table of Contents
- The Primary Agency: Special Protection Group (SPG)
Role: The SPG is an elite security force specifically tasked with providing proximate security to the serving Prime Minister of India, and their immediate family members residing with them at the official residence, both in India and abroad.
Formation: It was formed in 1985 and given statutory status by the Special Protection Group Act, 1988.
Motto: Śauryam Samarpaṇam Surakṣaṇam (Bravery, Dedication, Security).
Personnel: SPG personnel are drawn from various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF). They undergo highly rigorous and specialised training in close protection, counter-sabotage, marksmanship, and unarmed combat.
Classification: The details of the SPG’s strength, exact budget allocation, and specific deployment are generally classified for security reasons.
Layers and Protocols for Security
According to the classified “Blue Book” (which regulates the security of the President, Vice-President, and Prime Minister), the PM’s security is organized into a “Ring of Steel,” which consists of several tiers.
Proximate Security (Inner Ring): The SPG commandos, who are physically close to the prime minister, offer this innermost degree of security. They have tactical equipment and cutting-edge weapons.
The renowned black suitcase that the bodyguards carry is actually a movable, bulletproof shield that can be quickly deployed to offer protection in the event of an attack.
The PM’s motorcade, sometimes known as the convoy, consists of a fleet of extremely safe and well-armoured vehicles, such as:
vehicles with armor (such as the Range Rover Sentinel or Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard).
SPG staff are transported in Toyota Fortuners and other escort cars.
A jammer-equipped Electronic Countermeasures Vehicle (ECMV) that prevents guided attacks and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Dummy cars and an ambulance are used for security deception.
For emergency transfusions, SPG staff are instructed to keep at least one liter of the prime minister’s blood type on hand.
The police force of the relevant state, the Delhi Police, and other Central Armed Police Forces are in charge of overseeing the outer perimeter security layer. They are in charge of crowd management, route security, and general area protection.
Intelligence: during threat assessment, Advance Security Liaison (ASL) during tours, and general intelligence collection, the SPG collaborates closely with organizations such as the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and state police intelligence units.
- Modifications to Eligibility for Protection
In 2019, the SPG Act was modified to restrict its protection. At the moment, SPG protection is limited to:
the Prime Minister, who is currently in office.
For five years following the date of their resignation, the former prime minister and their immediate family members will live with them. (The family’s protection is optional).
Significant Event: Punjab Security Failure by PM Narendra Modi (2022)
PM Narendra Modi was supposed to visit the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, Punjab, on January 5, 2022.
He was forced to travel by road after his helicopter was unable to take off due to inclement weather. Due to demonstrators blocking the route ahead, his convoy was stranded on a flyover for around 15 to 20 minutes during this road trip.
Several investigations were started after the Ministry of Home Affairs called it a “serious security failure.” A number of Punjab Police officials were disciplined.
Additional Examples of PM Security Issues
Similar grievances have also been raised elsewhere. For example:
Some BJP leaders claimed that security equipment, including boom and portable detectors, was malfunctioning when PM Modi was in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
These accounts demonstrate that failures can arise not only in coordination but also in local troops’ readiness, communication, and equipment upkeep.
Suggested Reforms
Pre-planning and Backup Routes: All VVIP movements need to have well-thought-out backup routes that have been approved and monitored beforehand.
Inter-Agency Coordination: Prior to any significant visit, SPG, the Intelligence Bureau, and state police jointly brief.
Upgrading technology includes routinely inspecting and updating CCTV coverage, drones, car scanners, and communication systems.
Clear Accountability: Establishing direct accountability for each security tier, including intelligence, SPG, and state police.
Public Communication Protocols: To avoid intentional disruptions, refrain from disclosing travel information or routes ahead of time.