As tensions continue to simmer between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Centre has moved swiftly to upgrade the security of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Already under ‘Z’ category protection by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), S Jaishankar will now have an additional bulletproof vehicle as part of his convoy, indicating a fresh assessment of threats to top Indian leaders involved in foreign policy and national security.
Security upgraded after Pahalgam attack
Sources cited by ANI revealed that this enhanced protection is part of a broader reassessment conducted in the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The incident had led to a brief but intense military standoff between India and Pakistan, eventually prompting both nations to agree to a ceasefire on May 10. Intelligence inputs reportedly flagged elevated risk levels for senior officials like S Jaishankar, who has been the face of India’s firm diplomatic response to Pakistan-based terrorism.
S Jaishankar, aged 69, is already guarded by over a dozen CRPF commandos under his ‘Z’ category cover. The latest move builds on an earlier upgrade in October 2024 when his security was elevated from ‘Y’ to ‘Z’. This step is being viewed as precautionary, aimed at ensuring safe nationwide movements for the foreign minister amid volatile regional dynamics.
Operation Sindoor and S Jaishankar’s rising profile
The enhanced security comes at a time when S Jaishankar is prominently representing India on the global stage, especially following the launch of Operation Sindoor. Under this military operation, India carried out precision strikes targeting over 100 terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and attempted drone strikes on Indian military bases, prompting India to respond by targeting Pakistani radar installations, airfields, and communication facilities.
S Jaishankar’s inclusion in the list of over 210 VIPs under CRPF protection—alongside leaders like Amit Shah, Sonia Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama—highlights his growing importance in India’s diplomatic and strategic circles.
Even as diplomatic efforts move toward stability, India is simultaneously enhancing connectivity and defence infrastructure in sensitive areas. Arunachal Pradesh, a region close to the Chinese and Myanmar borders, has recently seen major airport upgrades including Pasighat Airport, Tezu Airport, and the newly operational Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar—boosting both civilian travel and military logistics in the region.
