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{{short description|Indian special force}} | {{short description|Indian special force}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=November | {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}} | {{Use Indian English|date=September 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox law enforcement agency | {{Infobox law enforcement agency | ||
|agencyname = Special Protection Group | |agencyname = Special Protection Group | ||
|nativename = | |nativename = | ||
|nativenamea = | |nativenamea = | ||
|nativenamer = | |nativenamer = | ||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
|patch = | |patch = | ||
|patchcaption = | |patchcaption = | ||
|logo = | |logo = SPG LOGO.svg | ||
|logocaption = SPG | |logocaption = SPG Emblem | ||
|badge = | |badge = | ||
|badgecaption = | |badgecaption = | ||
|flag = | |flag = SPG Flag.svg | ||
|flagcaption = SPG | |flagcaption = SPG Flag | ||
|motto = | |motto = | ||
|mottotranslated = Bravery, Dedication, Security | |mottotranslated = Bravery, Dedication, Security | ||
|formed = {{Start date and age|1985|04|08|df=yes}} | |formed = {{Start date and age|1985|04|08|df=yes}} | ||
|preceding1 = | |preceding1 = | ||
|employees = 3,000 active personnel<ref name="The Military Balance 2017">{{cite book |last1=(IISS) |first1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2017 |date=2017 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781857439007 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vk8-vgAACAAJ |language=en}}</ref> | |employees = 3,000 active personnel<ref name="The Military Balance 2017">{{cite book |last1=(IISS) |first1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2017 |date=2017 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781857439007 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vk8-vgAACAAJ |language=en |access-date=14 November 2020 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109204443/https://books.google.com/books?id=Vk8-vgAACAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
|volunteers = | |volunteers = | ||
|budget = {{INRConvert| | |budget ={{INRConvert|385.95|c}} (2022–23)<ref>{{Cite news|title=Rs 1.85 lakh crore allocation to MHA in budget|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/rs-1-85-lakh-crore-allocation-to-mha-in-budget/articleshow/89275279.cms|access-date=2022-02-01}}</ref> | ||
|nongovernment = | |nongovernment = | ||
|country = India | |country = India | ||
| Line 34: | Line 34: | ||
|legalpersonality = | |legalpersonality = | ||
|legaljuris = opsjuris | |legaljuris = opsjuris | ||
|governingbody = [[ | |governingbody = [[Cabinet Secretariat (India)|Cabinet Secretariat]] | ||
|governingbodyscnd = | |governingbodyscnd = | ||
|constitution1 = [http://www.spg.nic.in/spgact.html Special Protection Group Act, 1988] | |constitution1 = [http://www.spg.nic.in/spgact.html Special Protection Group Act, 1988] | ||
| Line 83: | Line 83: | ||
|reference = | |reference = | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Special Protection Group''' ('''SPG''') is an | The '''Special Protection Group''' ('''SPG''') is an agency of the [[Government of India]] whose sole responsibility is protecting the [[Prime Minister of India]] and in some cases, his or her family. It was formed in 1988 by an Act of the [[Parliament of India]].<ref name="THE SPECIAL PROTECTION GROUP ACT 1988 ,22">{{cite web|last=The Gazette of India|title=THE SPECIAL PROTECTION GROUP ACT 1988 [AS AMENDED IN 1991, 1994 & 1999]|url=http://www.spg.nic.in/spgact.htm|work=No. 30|publisher=The Government of India|access-date=22 May 2014|location=New Delhi|date= 7 June 1988| url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020174517/http://www.spg.nic.in/spgact.htm |archive-date=20 October 2014}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-01-08/india/27781362_1_spg-act-spg-personnel-proximate-security | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113080838/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-01-08/india/27781362_1_spg-act-spg-personnel-proximate-security | url-status=dead | archive-date=13 November 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Mayawati not entitled to SPG cover under law}}</ref> The SPG protects the Prime Minister at all times both in India and abroad, as well as the Prime Minister's immediate family members residing with them at their official residence.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-special-protection-group-cover-to-sonia-gandhi-family/article29931633.ece|title=Govt. ends SPG protection for Sonia, Rahul & Priyanka|date=9 November 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-date=12 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112194953/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/no-special-protection-group-cover-to-sonia-gandhi-family/article29931633.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=SPG amendment bill passed in Lok Sabha |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/spg-amendment-bill-passed-in-lok-sabha/articleshow/72261106.cms |access-date=27 November 2019 |work=The Economic Times |date=27 November 2019 |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415131412/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/spg-amendment-bill-passed-in-lok-sabha/articleshow/72261106.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Family members, however, may decline security. | ||
Previously, the SPG's mandate included protecting the Prime Minister's "parents, wife and children" resident anywhere in India | Previously, the SPG's mandate included protecting the Prime Minister's "parents, wife ''([[sic]])'' and children" resident anywhere in India during their term of office and for five years after leaving office. However, the [[Special Protection Group (Amendment) Act, 2019]] reduced such mandate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theprint.in/theprint-essential/what-is-the-special-protection-group-and-why-manmohan-singhs-security-cover-was-removed/282179/|title=What is the Special Protection Group and why Manmohan Singh's security cover was removed|date=26 August 2019|work=The Print|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-date=9 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109155614/https://theprint.in/theprint-essential/what-is-the-special-protection-group-and-why-manmohan-singhs-security-cover-was-removed/282179/|url-status=live}}</ref> Presently, Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] is the only SPG [[wikt:protectee|protectee]]. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Before 1981, the security of the Prime Minister at their official residence was the responsibility of the Special Security District of the [[Delhi Police]], | Before 1981, the security of the Prime Minister at their official residence was the responsibility of the Special Security District of the [[Delhi Police]], overseen by an officer of the rank of [[Deputy commissioner of police (India)|Deputy Commissioner of Police]] (DCP). This model was adopted from the United Kingdom, where the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] is protected by London's [[Metropolitan Police Service]]. In October 1981, a [[Special Task Force (India)|Special Task Force]] (STF) was established by the [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau]] (IB) to provide transportation security and road escorts for Prime Minister during travels in and out of [[New Delhi]]. | ||
After the assassination of Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]] by two of her Delhi Police security personnel in October 1984, a review was undertaken by a Committee of Secretaries of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Given the breach, it was decided to entrust security of the Prime Minister to an exclusive unit under direct control of the STF to provide proximate security | After the assassination of Prime Minister [[Indira Gandhi]] by two of her Delhi Police security personnel in October 1984, a review was undertaken by a Committee of Secretaries of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Given the breach, it was decided to entrust security of the Prime Minister to an exclusive unit under direct control of the STF to provide the Prime Minister with proximate security at all times. These decisions were initially taken as short-term measures. | ||
On 18 February 1985, the Ministry of Home Affairs set up the ''Birbal Nath Committee'' to examine the issue and submit recommendations for prime ministerial security. In March 1985, the | On 18 February 1985, the Ministry of Home Affairs set up the ''Birbal Nath Committee'' to examine the issue and submit recommendations to the government for prime ministerial security. In March 1985, the Committee submitted its recommendation for the raising of an independent agency for prime ministerial protection, known as the Special Protection Unit (SPU). On 30 March 1985, the [[President of India]], by executive order, created 819 posts for the unit within the [[Cabinet Secretariat of India|Cabinet Secretariat]]. The name of the unit was re-christened ''Special Protection Group,'' led by a Director who would be an [[Indian Police Service]] officer with the rank of [[Inspector General of Police]]. | ||
S. Subramaniam, then Joint Director (VIP Security) in the Intelligence Bureau, assumed office as Director of the SPG.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spg.nic.in/aboutus.html|title=About Us :: SPG, Govt. of India|website=www.spg.nic.in|access-date=27 May 2019}}</ref> Initially, the establishment of the SPG necessitated a | S. Subramaniam, then the Joint Director (VIP Security) in the Intelligence Bureau, assumed office as the first Director of the SPG.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spg.nic.in/aboutus.html|title=About Us :: SPG, Govt. of India|website=www.spg.nic.in|access-date=27 May 2019|archive-date=27 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527162615/http://www.spg.nic.in/aboutus.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, the establishment of the SPG necessitated a new distribution of responsibility to various agencies concerned with the security of the Prime Minister. With 819 posts, the new agency lacked the manpower to provide complete protection to the Prime Minister's person, office, residence and dependents, and remained dependent on the Delhi Police and state police units for logistics and transportation. The ''Blue Book'', an existing manual for the protection of the Prime Minister, was amended to incorporate new proximate security protocols. | ||
Under the new arrangements, on domestic visits, the Intelligence Bureau and concerned State Police were responsible for coordination, collection and dissemination of intelligence affecting the Prime Minister's security. State Police and the SPG would then provide physical security arrangements for the Prime Minister in two-layers. The SPG operated under the authority of its constituting executive order for three years without legislation, from April 1985 to June 1988. That year, the [[Rajiv Gandhi]] Government passed the Special Protection Group Act to codify the order's provisions. | Under the new arrangements, on domestic visits, the Intelligence Bureau and concerned State Police were responsible for coordination, collection and dissemination of intelligence affecting the Prime Minister's security. State Police and the SPG would then provide physical security arrangements for the Prime Minister in two-layers. The SPG operated under the authority of its constituting executive order for three years without legislation, from April 1985 to June 1988. That year, the [[Rajiv Gandhi]] Government passed the Special Protection Group Act to codify the order's provisions. | ||
At the time, the Act only permitted security for the Prime Minister and his immediate relatives. When Rajiv Gandhi left office in 1989, he ceased to receive protection as [[Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha|Leader of the Opposition]]. This occurred despite the significant threat | At the time, the Act only permitted security for the Prime Minister and his immediate relatives. When Rajiv Gandhi left office in 1989, he ceased to receive SPG protection as [[Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha|Leader of the Opposition]]. This occurred despite the significant threat to his life following his government's military intervention in the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]]. In May 1991, Gandhi was assassinated at a political rally in Tamil Nadu by a suicide bomber of the [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]], a Sri Lankan terrorist organization. After his assassination, the ''SPG Act'' was amended to provide SPG security to former Prime Ministers and their immediate families for a period of ten years after leaving office.<ref name=":0" /> Prior to the end of this period, a security review would be conducted by the IB to determine a protectee's current threat and the need for extensions (which would last five years). For this reason, Gandhi's widow, [[Sonia Gandhi]], and her children, [[Rahul Gandhi]] and [[Priyanka Gandhi]] received SPG protection for 28 years (until 2019) owing to their political activity in the [[Indian National Congress]]. | ||
On 27 November 2019, the Parliament of India passed the [[Special Protection Group (Amendment) Act, 2019|Special Protection Group (Amendment Act), 2019]] which | On 27 November 2019, the Parliament of India passed the [[Special Protection Group (Amendment) Act, 2019|Special Protection Group (Amendment Act), 2019]] which limited SPG protection only to the PM and his immediate family members residing with him at his official residence. Under the amended legislation, former Prime Ministers are eligible for an extension of their protection for up to five years after leaving office, subject to a threat assessment by the Intelligence Bureau.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=195095|title=English Releases|website=pibarchive.nic.in|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128065206/http://pibarchive.nic.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx%3Frelid%3D195095|url-status=live}}</ref> The bill was opposed by the [[Indian National Congress]], fearing that the [[Nehru–Gandhi family|Gandhi Family]] would face a greater risk of violence without SPG protection. After its passage, these individuals, along with former Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]], Heeraben Modi and [[Jashodaben Modi]], the mother and estranged wife, respectively, of incumbent Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], lost SPG protection. They were instead accorded different levels of security ranging from Z+ to Y by the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]]. The bill reduced the SPG's legal protectees to Modi, who lives alone at his official residence. | ||
==Organization== | ==Organization== | ||
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* Administration: Deals with human resources, finance, procurement and other related matters. | * Administration: Deals with human resources, finance, procurement and other related matters. | ||
== | ===Command and control=== | ||
The "general superintendence, direction and control" of the SPG is exercised by the Government of India.<ref name="THE SPECIAL PROTECTION GROUP ACT 1988 ,22"/> The head of the force, the Director, formally serves as the Joint Secretary (Security) in the [[Cabinet Secretariat of India|Cabinet Secretariat]] and is responsible for "the command and supervision" of the force.<ref name="THE SPECIAL PROTECTION GROUP ACT 1988 ,22"/> The director of the SPG since its inception has been an officer of the [[Indian Police Service]] (IPS) and, today, holds the rank of Director General of Police.<ref name="TOI 3 nov">{{cite news|title=Prasad's appointment as SPG chief stuns many|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Prasads-appointment-as-SPG-chief-stuns-many/articleshow/10586063.cms|access-date=23 May 2014|newspaper=Times of India|date=3 November 2011|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006012621/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Prasads-appointment-as-SPG-chief-stuns-many/articleshow/10586063.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The SPG does not directly recruit personnel. Recruits are instead drawn from enlisted ranks of the [[Central Armed Police Forces]] and [[Railway Protection Force]]. Personnel from these services may apply for deputation to the SPG and undergo rigorous physical and psychological assessments as well as enhanced security screening. Deputation to the SPG usually lasts five years, but may be extended at the Director's discretion. Officers of the SPG, responsible for leadership and coordination, are drawn from the IPS. | |||
==Current | ==Current responsibilities== | ||
[[Narendra Modi]], the incumbent [[Prime Minister of India]], is currently the only person under SPG protection. [[Sonia Gandhi]] and her children, [[Rahul Gandhi]] and [[Priyanka Gandhi]], as well as her two children (Raihan and Miraya) were granted SPG protection for 28 years from 1991 to 2019. Two of their family members, former Prime Ministers [[Indira Gandhi]] and [[Rajiv Gandhi]], were assassinated in 1984 and 1991, respectively, with the Government of India assessing a continued threat to their safety. On 8 November 2019, the [[Government of India]] withdrew their SPG security details and accorded them with [[Security categories in India|Z+ Security]]. This decision followed the government's withdrawal of an SPG detail for Modi's predecessor, [[Manmohan Singh]]. | [[Narendra Modi]], the incumbent [[Prime Minister of India]], is currently the only person under SPG protection. [[Sonia Gandhi]] and her children, [[Rahul Gandhi]] and [[Priyanka Gandhi]], as well as her two children (Raihan and Miraya) were granted SPG protection for 28 years from 1991 to 2019. Two of their family members, former Prime Ministers [[Indira Gandhi]] and [[Rajiv Gandhi]], were assassinated in 1984 and 1991, respectively, with the Government of India assessing a continued threat to their safety. On 8 November 2019, the [[Government of India]] withdrew their SPG security details and accorded them with [[Security categories in India|Z+ Security]]. This decision followed the government's withdrawal of an SPG detail for Modi's predecessor, [[Manmohan Singh]]. | ||
Additionally, under terms of the [[Special Protection Group (Amendment) Act, 2019]], SPG security details for Modi's estranged wife, [[Jashodaben Modi|Jashodaben]], and mother, Heeraben, were withdrawn that same year. The Act amended the SPG's legal mandate to protect the incumbent Prime Minister's "parents, wife and children" to "immediate family members residing (with the Prime Minister) at his official residence."<ref>https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/214563.pdf</ref> | Additionally, under terms of the [[Special Protection Group (Amendment) Act, 2019]], SPG security details for Modi's estranged wife, [[Jashodaben Modi|Jashodaben]], and mother, Heeraben, were withdrawn that same year. The Act amended the SPG's legal mandate to protect the incumbent Prime Minister's "parents, wife and children" to "immediate family members residing (with the Prime Minister) at his official residence."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/214563.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=17 May 2021 |archive-date=17 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517182812/https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/214563.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
SPG protectees | SPG protectees, by law, are exempt from personal security screening at all airports in India and may access VIP lounges at airports operated by the [[Airports Authority of India]]. Additionally, they are exempt from security screening when entering certain official buildings, including the Prime Minister's Office and Residence. | ||
== | == Equipment == | ||
[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.jpg|thumb|Prime Minister Narendra Modi surrounded by SPG at Republic Day Parade 2018.]] | [[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.jpg|thumb|Prime Minister Narendra Modi surrounded by SPG at Republic Day Parade 2018.]] | ||
=== Weapons === | === Weapons === | ||
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*[[FN Herstal]] [[F2000]]<ref name="unnithan2008"/>- Special Intervention Unit (SIU) | *[[FN Herstal]] [[F2000]]<ref name="unnithan2008"/>- Special Intervention Unit (SIU) | ||
*[[FN SCAR]]- Special Intervention Unit (SIU) | *[[FN SCAR]]- Special Intervention Unit (SIU) | ||
* [[FN Herstal]] [[FN Five-seven|Five-seveN]],<ref name="unnithan2008">{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&&issueid=68&id=13607§ionid=3&Itemid=1&page=in&latn=2 |title=If looks could kill |author=Unnithan, Sandeep |date=22 August 2008 |publisher=India Today |access-date=4 April 2009}}</ref><ref name="unnithanprint2008">Unnithan, Sandeep (1 September 2005). "SPG Gets More Teeth". India Today (ISSN 0254-8399).</ref>- Special Agents, SIU and Uniformed Officers | *[[FN P90]]- Sub-Machine Gun | ||
* [[FN Herstal]] [[FN Five-seven|Five-seveN]],<ref name="unnithan2008">{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&&issueid=68&id=13607§ionid=3&Itemid=1&page=in&latn=2 |title=If looks could kill |author=Unnithan, Sandeep |date=22 August 2008 |publisher=India Today |access-date=4 April 2009 |archive-date=15 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815130034/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&&issueid=68&id=13607§ionid=3&Itemid=1&page=in&latn=2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="unnithanprint2008">Unnithan, Sandeep (1 September 2005). "SPG Gets More Teeth". India Today (ISSN 0254-8399).</ref>- Special Agents, SIU and Uniformed Officers | |||
* [[Glock 17]] or [[Glock 19]] - Uniformed Officers | * [[Glock 17]] or [[Glock 19]] - Uniformed Officers | ||
* [[FN Herstal]] [[FN P90|P90]]<ref name="unnithan2008" /><ref name="unnithanprint2008" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/08/stories/2009040861831000.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411041836/http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/08/stories/2009040861831000.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2009 |title=Mumbai Police's Modernisation Programme Built Around Outdated, Inappropriate Weapons |author=Swami, Praveen |access-date=29 August 2009 |location=Chennai, India |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=8 April 2009}}</ref> -Uniformed Officers only | * [[FN Herstal]] [[FN P90|P90]]<ref name="unnithan2008" /><ref name="unnithanprint2008" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/08/stories/2009040861831000.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411041836/http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/08/stories/2009040861831000.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2009 |title=Mumbai Police's Modernisation Programme Built Around Outdated, Inappropriate Weapons |author=Swami, Praveen |access-date=29 August 2009 |location=Chennai, India |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=8 April 2009}}</ref> - Uniformed Officers only | ||
* [[Indian Ordnance Factories|IOF]] [[Modern Sub Machine Carbine]] - Selected to be used by the SPG after trials in 2019 | * [[Indian Ordnance Factories|IOF]] [[Modern Sub Machine Carbine]] - Selected to be used by the SPG after trials in 2019 | ||
===Vehicles=== | ===Vehicles=== | ||
The Prime Minister's motorcade comprises a fleet of vehicles, the core of which consists of at least three armored [[BMW 7 Series]] sedans, | The Prime Minister's motorcade comprises a fleet of vehicles, the core of which consists of at least two [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)|Mercedes-Maybach S650 guard]] ,three armored [[BMW 7 Series]] sedans, four armored [[Range Rover (L405)|Range Rovers]], at least 8-10 [[BMW X5]]s, six [[Toyota Fortuner]]s/[[Toyota Land Cruiser|Land Cruisers]] and at least two [[Mercedes-Benz Sprinter]] ambulances. A Tata Safari Electronic Countermeasures car also accompanies the convoy, besides many more escort vehicles. | ||
*Mercedes maybach s650 guard. | |||
The customized armoured vehicle has VR10 level of protection. | |||
*[[BMW 7 Series (F01)|BMW 760Li (F03) High-Security]] | *[[BMW 7 Series (F01)|BMW 760Li (F03) High-Security]] | ||
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*[[Air India One]]: Air India One, also referred to as AI1, is the call sign of any aircraft carrying the President of India, Vice President of India or the Prime Minister of India. These flights are operated as VIP flights by the [[Indian Air Force|Indian Air Force (IAF)]]. Previously, one of two modified [[Boeing 747-400]] passenger aircraft, used otherwise for normal service, would be utilized for the Prime Minister's overseas travel. However, in 2020, these were replaced with two customized [[Boeing 777-300ER]] aircraft with distinct national markings – built in the United States along the lines of [[Air Force One]]. Additionally, for domestic flights, the IAF currently owns four 14-seater [[Embraer Legacy 600|Embraer-135]] aircraft and three customized 46-seater [[Boeing Business Jet]] (BBJ) [[Boeing 737|737s]] that have a VIP cabin. PM Narendra Modi once used an Indian Air Force [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|Lockheed C-130J]] during his visit to Sri Lanka. | *[[Air India One]]: Air India One, also referred to as AI1, is the call sign of any aircraft carrying the President of India, Vice President of India or the Prime Minister of India. These flights are operated as VIP flights by the [[Indian Air Force|Indian Air Force (IAF)]]. Previously, one of two modified [[Boeing 747-400]] passenger aircraft, used otherwise for normal service, would be utilized for the Prime Minister's overseas travel. However, in 2020, these were replaced with two customized [[Boeing 777-300ER]] aircraft with distinct national markings – built in the United States along the lines of [[Air Force One]]. Additionally, for domestic flights, the IAF currently owns four 14-seater [[Embraer Legacy 600|Embraer-135]] aircraft and three customized 46-seater [[Boeing Business Jet]] (BBJ) [[Boeing 737|737s]] that have a VIP cabin. PM Narendra Modi once used an Indian Air Force [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|Lockheed C-130J]] during his visit to Sri Lanka. | ||
[[File: | [[File:Prime Minister Narendra Modi exiting Air India One at Heathrow Airport, London.jpg|thumb|Air India One Boeing 747 aircraft]] | ||
[[File:Air India One Chennai.png|thumb| Air India One Boeing 777]] | |||
* [[Mi-17]] helicopters: The [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Defence Ministry]] has approved the "conversion" of six new [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]] V5s to replace the old Mi-8 helicopters with IAF's elite Communications Squadron to ferry the President and Prime Minister. Mi-17 V5s have advanced avionics, on-board navigation systems and night-vision devices. The SPG wanted the helicopters to have "high tail booms" to allow cars to come right next to the rear exit staircase without "exposing" passengers to a threat from anyone in the vicinity, additional transit range, better [[crashworthiness]] and armour protection. | * [[Mi-17]] helicopters: The [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Defence Ministry]] has approved the "conversion" of six new [[Mil Mi-17|Mi-17]] V5s to replace the old Mi-8 helicopters with IAF's elite Communications Squadron to ferry the President and Prime Minister. Mi-17 V5s have advanced avionics, on-board navigation systems and night-vision devices. The SPG wanted the helicopters to have "high tail booms" to allow cars to come right next to the rear exit staircase without "exposing" passengers to a threat from anyone in the vicinity, additional transit range, better [[crashworthiness]] and armour protection. | ||
==Contact with the media== | ==Contact with the media== | ||
Members of the SPG are barred by the SPG Act from contact with the media or from publishing or collaborating in the publication of "any book, letter or other document" related to their work, including upon retirement from government service.<ref name="THE SPECIAL PROTECTION GROUP ACT 1988 ,22"/> The SPG and its personnel are exempt from any information disclosure requests under the [[Right to Information Act, 2005]]. | Members of the SPG are barred by the SPG Act from contact with the media or from publishing or collaborating in the publication of "any book, letter or other document" related to their work, including upon retirement from government service.<ref name="THE SPECIAL PROTECTION GROUP ACT 1988 ,22"/> The SPG and its personnel are exempt from any information disclosure requests under the [[Right to Information Act, 2005]]. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Parliament Security Services]] | |||
* [[President's Bodyguard]] | |||
* [[Special Forces of India]] | * [[Special Forces of India]] | ||
* [[National Security Guard]] | * [[National Security Guard]] | ||