NEW DELHI: A meeting of Security, Intelligence and PMO officials on Monday gave a final touch to several crucial security aspects related to the high-profile visit of US President Barack Obama to India this weekend. According to top officials, the standard ‘no fly zone’ of 300 km for the Republic Day has been extended to 500 km on the recommendation of intelligence agencies.
They also mentioned that not one but two ‘Beasts’ -- Barack Obama’s Cadillac Limousine car -- will arrive for his travel.
“It has been recommended that an Indian doctor from the PMO team will be provided for the ‘Beast’ limo keeping local conditions in mind. The ‘Beast’ has a blood bank and Indian doctor’s presence is required in case of an emergency. Before Obama’s arrival, we are also expecting seven dogs from secret service K-9 units. The Belgian Malinois breed dogs will take part in security sanitisation process,” officials added.
According to the final security blue print, Obama will have 8-tier security ring during his stay and travel in India. The 2 tier of close protection will be handled by the US Secret Service. Six outer ring will have experienced commandos from the National Security Guard (NSG). The traffic and vehicular movements in Central Delhi will be regulated from January 22 to control the pollution level.Private offices in Central Delhi will be closed down from January 23, but some government offices will remain open.
“Many government officers linked to essential services will remain open and special passes will be provided to government employees. However, there is no lock down of Central Delhi,” a senior officer said, adding that the team of security officials have already been deployed to sanitise guest houses and hotels across the national capital.
Obama will conclude his three-day visit at historic city of Agra as he is unlikely to return to New Delhi after seeing Taj Mahal on January 27. Obama had skipped Agra on his previous visit to India in November 2010 and has shown interest to visit the monument of love this time. According to sources, Obama, after his morning engagements, which include meeting with the eminent personalities in the capital, will fly to Agra on January 27 afternoon.
After spending some time at the Taj Mahal, Obama, along with his wife, is expected to fly back to Washington from Agra military airbase in his Air Force One. The Defence Ministry officials have clarified that US Secret Service officials were never against the traditional fly past of the IAF during the Republic Day celebration.
Officials said that besides regular flying restrictions for the Republic Day parade (as per standard operating procedures), the US security officials wanted an another five-km radius of ‘no flying zone’ around the Maurya Sheraton Hotel, where the US president will be staying during his three-day visit.
On Monday, the IAF conducted its first rehearsal of its fly past at Rajpat.
“Only weather can play a spoilsport, otherwise, fly past will happen on its schedule. 27 aircraft from IAF, three helicopters from the Army and three from the Navy will participate in the traditional fly past over Rajpath,” an official said. Apart from last year’s participants which include, Sukhoi, Jaguar, C-17 Globemaster and C-130J transport aircraft, Navy’s P8I maritime surveillance aircraft and recently inducted naval version of MiG-29K fighters, will take part.