An elaborate, foolproof security cover has been prepared by the Indian security and intelligence agencies in coordination with the United States Secret Service for the visit of President Barack Obama, who lands in Mumbai on Saturday for a three-day visit to the country.
The usual paraphernalia of the U.S. President, including a highly secured communications set-up, modern gadgetry and many of the White House staff, will accompany him in Mumbai and Delhi.
Over 500 U.S. Secret Service personnel, 13 heavy lift aircraft with high-tech equipment, and three choppers will be in India for the visit. Teams of U.S. security experts and Secret Service officials are already in Mumbai and Delhi, planning for Mr. Obama's visit and conducting rehearsals along with Indian agencies, police and the National Security Guard.
The Secret Service, one of America's oldest federal investigative law enforcement agencies, has the key responsibility of protecting the President, the Vice-President and others, a mission it was tasked with in 1901 following the assassination of President William McKinley in Buffalo. It also investigates crimes against the financial infrastructure of the U.S.
To maintain a safe environment for the President and other protectees, the Secret Service calls upon other federal, State, and local agencies to assist it on a daily basis. While the President remains at the White House, the Secret Service Uniformed Division, the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Park Police patrol the streets and parks nearby. The Secret Service regularly consults with experts from other agencies in utilising the most advanced security techniques. The military supports the Secret Service through the use of explosive ordnance disposal teams and communications resources.
Advance team
When the President travels, an advance team of Secret Service agents works with the host city, State and local law enforcement, as well as public safety officials, to jointly implement the necessary security measures.
During his visit to India, Mr. Obama will be protected by a fleet of 34 warships, including an aircraft carrier, which will patrol the sea lanes off the Mumbai coast during his two-day stay in the commercial capital of the country. Sources said the unusual step had been taken keeping in mind the 26/11 terror strike, for which the attackers took the sea route.
Two jets, armed with advanced communication and security systems, and a fleet of over 40 cars will be part of the Presidential convoy. Around 800 rooms have been booked in the hotels where the President and his entourage will be staying.
Personnel from the local police in Mumbai and Delhi, along with the elite NSG crack commandos and paramilitary personnel, will form the multi-tier security rings to guard Mr. Obama.
