Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, May 15 

Former Research and Analysis Wing Secretary Samant Goel on Friday cautioned against reducing the Prime Minister’s security cavalcade, saying the current threat environment required stronger protection measures rather than downsizing security arrangements.

Speaking to ANI, Goel said the global security situation remained highly volatile and evolving threats such as drone attacks and sniper weapons had significantly altered the security landscape.

Referring to recent assassination attempts on former US President Donald Trump, Goel said even countries considered relatively safe were vulnerable to emerging threats.

“The international security situation is highly volatile and recent attacks on Trump in a country considered very safe highlight the risks,” he said.

Goel said Narendra Modi continued to face serious threats because of his national security stance and political profile.

“For over 25 years, since his time as Gujarat chief minister, Modi has faced serious threats due to his strong national security stance. Jihadi elements – domestic, neighbouring and international – continue to target him,” he said.

He said security protocols should be determined by operational requirements and threat assessments rather than optics.

“Many politicians misuse large convoys as status symbols. But the focus in the Prime Minister’s case should be on genuine security needs and maintaining anonymity, not revealing which vehicle he is travelling in,” Goel said.

He warned that drastically reducing the convoy size could compromise operational secrecy and make it easier for attackers to identify the Prime Minister’s vehicle.

“A drastically reduced convoy of just two vehicles makes it far simpler for adversaries or attackers to identify and target the Prime Minister’s vehicle,” he said.

Goel said larger and professionally managed cavalcades involving essential Special Protection Group components created necessary layers of protection and confusion for hostile elements.

He also said India’s domestic security posture influenced the level of protection extended to the prime minister during foreign visits.

“When the Prime Minister reduces security at home, foreign countries notice and may assume lower threat levels. This can impact security arrangements abroad, especially in nations with hostile elements,” he said.

Goel said the current security environment warranted a review aimed at strengthening, rather than reducing, prime ministerial security arrangements.

“The nation’s interest demands reviewing and strengthening Prime Ministerial security, not downsizing it,” he said, describing the Prime Minister’s security as “non-negotiable”.