Modi’s US visit: Security beefed up for PM post attacks on former President Donald Trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

For Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first official visit to the United States in his third term, enhanced security measures have been put in place due to increased safety concerns.

Modi’s trip, which began early on September 21, includes annual Quad summit at Wilmington in Delaware, addressing the 'Summit of the Future' at the UN General Assembly in New York, and holding a roundtable with CEOs of top American firms working in the technology sector.

The Indian and American security officials have been in close contact over the past two weeks, particularly following the two assassination attempts against former US President Donald Trump, reported The Indian Express. According to the report, the US Secret Service has increased the security in and around the places where the PM is scheduled to visit as part of his three-day trip.

It is also because of growing concerns about threats posed by pro-Khalistan elements in the United States.

The venue of this year's summit – which will be attended by Japan PM Fumio Kishida and Australian PM Anthony Albanese besides US President Joe Biden and PM Modi -- is the school that Biden attended, the Archmere Academy. According to the school, the US President graduated from Archmere Academy in 1961, where he played football.

The area is under tight security to prevent any threats to attending leaders. Authorities are thoroughly checking for intruders and dangerous objects. Sources told The Indian Express that there will be now crowd or students at the event.

Both the US Secret Service as well as India's Special Protection Group (SPG) are actively coordinating Modi's security, especially during his address to the Indian diaspora scheduled for September 22 in New York. Over 20,000 people are expected to attend the event. The Nassau County police will assist US Secret Service to secure the venue and screen the crowd in order to avoid any possible disruption.

Modi will also address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly and the security will be tight there as well as the UNGA is held annually around this time with many world leaders in attendance.

Modi is scheduled to be back in India on September 24.