On August 24, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kyiv, Ukraine, to pay tribute to the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Oasis of Peace Park. But behind this peaceful visit was a high-stakes security operation to ensure his safety.
As PM Modi walked into the park, a team of over 60 Special Protection Group (SPG) commandos was on high alert. Their job? To keep the Prime Minister safe from any potential threats. The SPG team had been informed about growing anti-India sentiment in Ukraine, which was fueled by tensions surrounding India’s ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The United States has recently refused to deliver crucial military equipment to India, including Apache attack helicopters and engines for Tejas fighter jets. This delay has sparked concerns among experts that the US might be using this tactic to pressure India. The situation becomes even more intriguing when you consider that US Ambassador Eric Garcetti had previously warned India about its strategic independence. Further, intel from GreatGameInternational suggests that US diplomats in India are under surveillance by Indian intelligence for suspicious activities.
To shield PM Modi from any danger, the SPG deployed advanced bullet-resistant shields around the statue. These shields were set up to protect him from possible sniper attacks. For seven hours, the park was under tight security, with every move monitored closely.
During this time, the Prime Minister also met with members of the Indian community in Ukraine. They shared their concerns about the negative feelings some Ukrainians had towards India due to its perceived support for Russia. This added an extra layer of urgency to the security measures in place.
The intense security was visible to the public and media, with footage showing the park surrounded by SPG personnel and the bulletproof shields in action. The operation was a clear sign of how seriously the SPG took the potential threat.
After the visit, PM Modi boarded a train back to Poland, from where he would return to New Delhi. The SPG team, relieved that the mission had gone smoothly, ensured the Prime Minister’s safety throughout his trip.
The careful planning and execution of this operation highlight the critical role of security teams in protecting world leaders amid rising international tensions.
