Obama to have a three-layered security during India visit - Economic Times

NEW DELHI: A team of the US Secret Service (USSS) that protects American presidents and vice-presidents will be in Delhi in the next few days to conduct a recce of Rajpath where the Republic Day parade would be held, as Barack Obama would be the chief guest for the event. The USSS experts will hold consultations with a team of Delhi Police besides senior officials on the route that the president will take from airport to the hotel where he will be staying, besides the route on which Obama will travel to various venues in the city, official sources told ET.

The visiting team will also visit the five-star hotel where the President will stay to take stock of the security arrangements and suggest additional requirements if any, sources pointed out. A senior government source said the security arrangements at Rajpath will be of "unprecedented level" given the presence of two of the most well-protected personalities, Barack Obama and Narendra Modi at the function.



"The presence of the US President at an open-air function is expected to be a top security priority for the USSS. We are preparing for a detailed briefing to them on how security will be handled at Rajpath during the event," the source said. The IB Chief, Delhi Police Commissioner and the Union Home Secretary have been asked to "personally oversee" the security arrangements this time.

A key challenge for both US and Indian security officials will be the open air venue at Delhi's Rajpath where Republic Day parade is organised. The Republic Day celebrations are given air cover and snipers are posted in high rises near the venue, sources said, adding, this architecture will be strengthened for the next parade where Obama will be present.

The officials, however, refused to divulge details. "There is a possibility that over two dozen government buildings around Rajpath may be sealed two days in advance rather than one day which has been the precedent," a source added. An advanced security team will arrive a fortnight ahead of President's touch down in Delhi.

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