Amid Indo-Pak tension, MHA upgrades security cover of EAM Jaishankar

New Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has strengthened the security cover of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

This follows the escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan post April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

Reports say, Jaishankar, who is already under 'Z category' security, upgraded in October 2023 and provided by CRPF commandos, will now be provided with two bullet-resistant vehicles for enhanced protection.

The decision was made during a high-level security meeting on May 11, chaired by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora. The meeting focused on assessing the security of VIPs who have publicly criticized Pakistan during the ongoing confrontation.

In recent weeks, Jaishankar has engaged with global leaders and foreign ministers regarding Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military action launched by India on May 7. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the deaths of over 100 militants linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

On May 10, both India and Pakistan announced a mutual agreement to cease hostilities.

Under the Centre's VIP security protocol, protection levels range from X to Z-plus, with Z-plus including advanced security liaison arrangements. The Z-category is the third-highest level of security. The protection cover includes 22 personnel, along with commandos and police personnel. The CRPF currently provides VIP security to around 200 individuals, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.