India-Pakistan tensions: External affairs minister S Jaishankar's security upgraded with bulletproof vehicle

NEW DELHI: The Central government has enhanced the security cover of external affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar by adding an additional bulletproof vehicle to his convoy, sources said on Wednesday.Jaishankar, who currently has 'Z' category armed protection from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), will now have an enhanced security vehicle for his nationwide movements.The CRPF made this decision after a recent threat assessment linked to India-Pakistan tensions indicating the need for increased protection.Notably, in October last year, Jaishankar’s security cover was upgraded from the ‘Y’ category to ‘Z’ category.The responsibility for Jaishankar's security was transferred to the CRPF from the Delhi Police.Currently, more than 12 armed commandos provide him security cover under the Z-category.The CRPF currently safeguards around 210 VIPs, including Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, the Dalai Lama, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.The upgrade in the EAM's security arrangements followed escalating India-Pakistan tensions after India's military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian armed forces on May 7, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists affiliated with terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen.After the attack, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling across the Line of Control and Jammu and Kashmir as well as attempted drone attacks along the border regions, following which India launched a coordinated attack and damaged radar infrastructure, communication centres and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan.Subsequently, on May 10, India and Pakistan announced an agreement to cease hostilities.