Former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) Secretary Samant Goel on Friday opposed any reduction in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy and security arrangements in the name of austerity, stating that the Prime Minister’s safety remains a matter of national interest.
Speaking to ANI, Goel said the Prime Minister’s security should be strengthened rather than scaled down, especially amid evolving threats such as drones and sniper attacks and the volatile global security environment.
Calls for stronger PM security
Referring to recent international developments, Goel said even countries considered secure had witnessed attacks on top leaders.
“The international security situation is volatile. There were attacks on President Donald Trump, despite the US being considered to be safe. There are elements against India carrying out terror activities, especially from our neighbouring state,” he said.
He added that special security arrangements for the Prime Minister were necessary and argued that austerity-driven cuts in convoy size were not in the national interest.
“Amid new threats of drones and sniper guns, we should rather strengthen the security instead of reducing it,” he said.
Threat perception around PM Modi
Goel said the Prime Minister’s security arrangements are based on threat assessment and not meant as a status symbol.
“Security is not a status symbol, but given as per the threat assessment. Some leaders use it as a status symbol,” he said.
The former intelligence chief also stressed the importance of maintaining anonymity around the Prime Minister’s vehicle movement.
“Anonymity should be maintained about the PM’s car. If there are only two cars in the convoy, it is easier for the enemy to attack,” he stated.
He further said that Modi had faced security threats since his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and alleged that international gangs and jihadi elements continued to target him.
“PM’s security is the first priority, and there should be no compromise,” Goel added.
Convoy reduction amid fuel conservation push
The remarks come after Prime Minister Modi appealed to citizens to conserve fuel in view of the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Following the appeal, the Prime Minister and several Union ministers reduced the size of their convoys as part of fuel-saving measures.
Despite the downsizing, officials maintained that all mandatory security provisions required under the Special Protection Group (SPG) protocol remained intact.
