The security of the American President depends on the US Secret Service, how is the security of the President in India, know the difference

The firing incident that took place during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC on the evening of 25 April 2026 shocked the entire world. This annual event is considered a symbol of friendship and press freedom between journalists and American leaders, but this time it became witness to a dangerous accident. The event was going on, hundreds of guests were enjoying dinner in the large ballroom of the Washington Hilton Hotel. Then suddenly the sounds of firing echoed. There was chaos in the entire hall. People started shouting, ‘Bend down!’ The sounds started coming. The guests hid under the tables, like a scene from a Hollywood action movie, but this was real life.

In this event, US President Donald Trump, his wife Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and several cabinet ministers were also present. On hearing the news of the firing, US Secret Service agents immediately became active. He acted very quickly and safely rescued the President and the First Lady from the stage and took them out. All the big leaders remained safe. Trump himself later gave a statement on this incident and said, ‘As soon as the firing took place, the Secret Service agents worked very fast and professionally. Because of him a major accident was averted. He told that a security personnel was injured by the bullet, but his life was saved because of his bulletproof jacket. He is currently undergoing treatment.

Role of Secret Service in protecting the US President

This incident once again proves how powerful, trained and prepared the US Secret Service is. This agency protects not only the President, but also the Vice-President, his family, former Presidents (for life) and important foreign guests. Secret Service agents are selectively recruited. To join this, a candidate has to complete several tough phases:

Ability: Must be a US citizen, age between 21 to 37 years, good physical fitness, driving license

education : Bachelor Degree or Experience in Police/Military

Selection Process: Written Exam, Physical Fitness Test, Interview, Polygraph (Lie Detector) Test, Medical Checkup, Credit Check and Very Deep Background Investigation

Training: Successful candidates undergo intensive training, including firing, driving, self-defense, intelligence, and threat assessment.

These agents are always alert even while wearing suits. They assess the threat in advance, monitor social media and send advance teams everywhere

How is the security of the President of India different from America?

However, the question arises that there is a lot of difference between the US Secret Service of America and the security system of the President in India. The security systems of both the countries are strong, but their methods, responsibilities and organization are different.

1. Presidential Security in America – US Secret Service

US Secret Service: is a federal agency of America, which works under the Department of Homeland Security.

Main responsibilities: Protecting the President of the United States, the Vice President, their families, former Presidents (for life), presidential candidates, and foreign guests (such as heads of state of other countries).

Dual role: Not only security, but also investigates financial crimes like fake notes, financial fraud, cyber crime, etc.

How does it work?

• Special agents are permanently deployed with the President.
• Advance team checks the place in advance during the journey
• threat assessment
• Use of social media monitoring and intelligence
• White House, Vice President’s house and also security of foreign embassies.
• Facilities like armored car (The Beast), helicopter, Air Force One
• The President and Vice-President cannot decline security

Key Points: This agency is very large (thousands of employees), uses modern technology (e.g. open source intelligence, protective threat management systems).

2. How is the security of the President in India?

In India, the President is not protected by a separate agency like the US Secret Service. It is mainly handled by the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) and other security forces.

main responsibility: President’s Body Guard (PBG): The oldest and most senior unit of the Indian Army (since 1773). It provides escort and ceremonial protection to the President. Also help in security of Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital.

PBG soldiers are cavalry, but also perform parachute and armored tasks during war.

Internal Security: Delhi Police in collaboration with CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) and Intelligence Bureau (IB)

In some cases, NSG (National Security Guard) commandos also help, especially in high-risk situations.

The entire security of Rashtrapati Bhavan is arranged at different levels – outer perimeter police/CRPF, internal security PBG and other agencies.

A total of 176 soldiers are involved in the security of the President. Which consists of 4 high rank officers, 11 junior commissioned officers (JCO) and 161 soldiers.

Important thing: In India, the President is not protected by SPG (Special Protection Group). SPG only provides 24-hour proximate security of the Prime Minister (PM) and his family. The President’s security is based on the army and police, which is more ceremonial and traditional.

Main differences between US Secret Service and India’s presidential security

In America, the security of the President is handled by a professional, single and very large federal agency (Secret Service), which not only focuses on security but also does intelligence and investigation. It is more modern and comprehensive.

In India, the President is protected by a combination of the Army’s Elite Unit (PBG) and police/paramilitary forces. It is more traditional and ceremonial. The security of the Prime Minister is more strict by SPG. Whereas the security of the President is of a slightly different level.