Do India’s Prime Ministers Use Personal Cars During Flights: Debunking the Myth
India has a unique history and a dedicated professional Special Protection Group (SPG) that ensures the safety of the Prime Minister and other prominent figures. This article aims to clarify some common misconceptions about whether India's Prime Ministers use personal cars during air flights. Historically, the practice has been ascribed to former leaders like Rajiv Gandhi and Man Mohan Singh, but recent leadership under Prime Minister Modi has taken a different approach.
The Practice of Personal Cars During Air Flights
While Rajiv Gandhi and Man Mohan Singh did carry black money in cars for deposits in foreign banks, this practice severely ended when Prime Minister Modi took office. It is important to note that no other Prime Minister since 1947 has similarly transported black money in cars or aircraft. In fact, there are no records of Jawaharlal Nehru engaging in such practices after India's Independence.
No Private Cars for PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi does not use a personal car, even though there are official cars provided for him as is customary for all leaders in India. The expenses for maintaining all official cars are borne by the taxpayers. Therefore, while Prime Minister Modi has access to an official car, these expenses are financed through government funds, not his private property.
Security Measures and Transportation
Unlike countries such as the United States and Russia, India does not have an advanced security team that conducts reconnaissance for the places the Prime Minister plans to visit. The security protocol for the Indian Prime Minister follows a specific security protocol as per a classified document known as the 'Blue Book.' This document ensures the safety of the Prime Minister during official visits and travels.
Currently, the Indian Prime Minister does not travel with journalists as was the case with his predecessors. Instead, when the US, Russian, and UAE Presidents, as well as the Pope, visit a country, they typically arrive with a bulletproof car pre-arranged one week ahead. In such scenarios, the host country provides the necessary transportation and security.
The Role of the Special Protection Group (SPG)
The SPG plays a crucial role in providing security to the Prime Minister of India and other important officials. The SPG ensures the safety of the Prime Minister and their families during all public and private events. The motorcade accompanying the Prime Minister consists of a number of armored vehicles, including two armored BMW 7 Series Sedans, six BMW X5s, a Mercedes Benz ambulance, and a Tata Safari jammer. In addition, several escort vehicles provide further layers of security.
When visiting foreign countries, Indian leaders typically rely on transportation and security arrangements provided by the host country. The SPG ensures the Prime Minister has a secure pick-up and drop-off point at the airport, facilitating a smooth transition from one mode of transport to another.
Conclusion
India's current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, does not use personal cars during flights or other official trips. Instead, he relies on official transportation provided by the government and secures his travels with the stringent protocols of the SPG. The SPG ensures that the Prime Minister and their families are protected during all official and personal travels, providing a level of security that aligns with global norms while remaining true to its commitment to public confidentiality.