Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled a rally in poll-bound Punjab on Wednesday due to protesters blocking roads, an incident that has been described as a “serious security lapse” by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). In light of the event, here’s a glimpse into PM Modi’s security detail.

Security in India is provided to high-risk individuals by the police and local governments. The type of security provided depends upon threat perception.

The security of the Indian Prime Minister, however, is a different matter, and is as stringent as that of any other heads of state. The Special Protection Group (SPG) has the responsibility of providing 24-hour security to the Prime Minister. At the moment, PM Modi is the only person eligible for SPG protection, and his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg is guarded by 500 SPG commandos.

Elite soldiers of the SPG follow Prime Minister everywhere he goes. There are around 3,000 personnel in the SPG, who are trained as per the guidelines of the United States Secret Service (USSS). They are responsible for providing security to the Prime Minister, ex-Prime Ministers, and their family members. They generally carry loadouts that include Belgian-made FN F2000 Herstal bullpup assault rifles, FN P90 submachine guns, and Glock 17M handguns.

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Not only the SPG, but the police also play a vital role in the Prime Minister’s security. If the Prime Minister has an address planned, that particular area is inspected thoroughly the previous day, and on the day of the address, and the whole area is surrounded by SPG commandos. If the chief of SPG is absent, security arrangements are made by another high-ranking official.

When the Prime Minister has to travel by road, the lane he is travelling on is blocked for 10 minutes, two vehicles patrol the travel route to ensure clearance.

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Over the years, the Prime Minister has had several secure cars for transport, including bulletproof and blastproof models of the BMW 7-series. Last month, however, the government introduced the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S650 Pullman Guard, an armoured, bulletproof, and blastproof sedan, for use by the Prime Minister. The sedan can withstand bullets from AK-47s and can protect its passengers from a 15 kg TNT blast.

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For air travel, PM Modi flies on a secure, state-of-the art retrofitted Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, dubbed Air India One, that boasts capabilities similar to the Air Force One aircraft used by the President of the United States. PM Modi’s aircraft is fitted with Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) and Self-Protection Suites (SPS) that is capable of handling any missile attack.

In addition, the Prime Minister also has a Z+ category security detail. This security is provided by commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG), who carry Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine guns and are trained in deadly martial arts for unarmed combat, should the situation call for it.