Former secretary and Research and Analysis Wing head Samant Goel on Thursday said he was worried about reports of downsizing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi “cumbeys,” noting that it would create “serious security challenges in the backdrop of changing security scenario globally and in the region.
Just as the pandemic-induced lockdown measures introduced by the Centre led to an increase in energy costs, the need for reducing energy expenditures has now been sparked by the global rise in energy costs associated with the current Middle East war, according to reports, which may also include a reduction in the size of the Prime Minister’s convoy. But security needs must outweigh symbolic measures of austerity, Goel said.
Exuding confidence about the issue, the former intelligence chief said the situation arena has changed much and today’s threats range from drone attacks to sniper guns and from group terror threats to anything coordinated. Goel pointed to recent security breaches of former President Donald Trump in the United States and quoted them as an example of how the newest countries with advanced security systems still have big issues.
He said that the Prime Minister Modi has been a victim of threats ever since he became the Chief Minister of the state of Gujarat and these threats are now coming not only from any hostile group or organisation from the Telurian side, but also from organisations that are extremist.
Chapter 1, Security for the Prime Minister, was also one in which the status of the PM was not the only concern, Goel stated, referring to threat assessments. By restricting the number of vehicles in the convoy, he said it would become simpler for perpetrators to spot and target the Prime Minister’s vehicle.
The Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for the security of the Prime Minister in India and overseas, is yet to make any official comments. The comments have sparked renewed discussion about the importance of balancing security concerns and cost and fuel-savings.