“India faces active threats, especially from a neighbouring state sponsoring terror and this is not the time to reduce protection,” says Goel
PM Narendra Modi (Photo: PTI)
Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced the number of vehicles in his official convoy as part of a broader push for restraint and fuel conservation amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, Former Intelligence Chief Samant Goel says it is not a great idea.
“The international security situation is highly volatile. Recent attacks on US President Trump in a country considered very safe highlight risks…India faces active threats, especially from a neighbouring state sponsoring terror and this is not the time to reduce protection,” said Goel.
Goel is a retired 1984-batch Punjab cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who served as the Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India’s foreign intelligence agency, from June 2019 to June 30, 2023.
PM Modi’s action
The move came shortly after PM Modi appealed to citizens to cut down petrol and diesel consumption, work from home wherever possible, and avoid unnecessary foreign travel in light of concerns over the global energy situation.
Officials said the prime minister chose to personally implement the measures he had advised citizens to follow, leading to a considerable reduction in the number of vehicles accompanying his convoy.
The scaled-down convoy was first seen after PM Modi made the appeal during an event in Hyderabad, and was subsequently followed during his visits to Vadodara and Guwahati.
What intel experts say
“Modern threats now include drones and sniper guns. As per current threat assessments, security must be reviewed and strengthened, not downsized. Reducing the cavalcade ignores these emerging dangers,” said Goel.
According to Goel, for over 25 years, since his time as Gujarat CM, Modi has faced serious threats due to his strong national security stance. “Jihadi elements domestic, neighbouring, and international continue to target him. His security must remain the highest priority for the nation,” he said.
Goel stressed that security protocols should strictly follow threat assessments, not be used for show. “Many politicians misuse large convoys as status symbols. The focus should be on genuine needs and maintaining anonymity not revealing which vehicle the PM is in. A drastically reduced convoy of just 2 vehicles makes it far simpler for adversaries or attackers to identify and target the PM’s vehicle,” he said.
According to Goel, larger, well-managed cavalcades with essential SPG components provide necessary confusion and protection layers. “When the PM 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. India should maintain strong protocols domestically to ensure robust protection overseas too,” he said.
Top intelligence sources, too, told News 18 that in the current environment, the nation’s interest demands reviewing and strengthening PM security not downsizing it. “Security for the Prime Minister is non-negotiable,” they said.
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