“Are you clapping because I came back?” These seemingly innocuous words, uttered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after returning from a pivotal summit, have resonated far beyond a simple greeting. What appeared on the surface to be a lighthearted remark has, in retrospect, unveiled a deeper, more unsettling undercurrent: a subtle acknowledgment of profound threats to his safety. In an era where global leaders face increasingly complex security challenges, the question of PM Modi’s protection has become a paramount national concern, sparking discussions about foiled plots, significant security lapses, and the relentless vigilance required to safeguard India’s leader. This post delves into the critical incidents and evolving threats that underscore the constant efforts to ensure the Prime Minister’s security.
PM Modi’s International Security Threats: The “Clapping” Remark and Beyond
The statement “Are you clapping because I came back?” was made by PM Modi at a public event. Initially, it might have been dismissed as a characteristic quip, but its context quickly changed. Reports began to surface suggesting that this seemingly offhand comment was, in fact, a subtle nod to a serious, neutralized threat during his foreign visit. Analysts have since interpreted it as a sign that a potential danger, possibly an assassination plot, may have been averted at the eleventh hour.
India-Russia Intelligence: Uncovering Alleged Plots Against PM Modi
The gravity of the situation was further highlighted by the alleged involvement of international intelligence agencies. Sources in New Delhi indicated that India’s intelligence apparatus conducted immediate post-trip reviews of international threat data, working closely with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) after an SCO summit. Russian intelligence reportedly intercepted sensitive communications hinting at a potential threat to Modi’s life. This intelligence reportedly led Russian President Vladimir Putin to insist that Modi travel in his personal official vehicle, rather than the separate Indian convoy, a gesture now widely seen as a protective measure to ensure his safety. Adding to these concerns, an October 2025 report even speculated about a foiled assassination plot against PM Modi, allegedly by the CIA, which was neutralized through a joint operation between Indian and Russian intelligence forces, following the mysterious death of a US security official in Dhaka.
Major Domestic Security Lapses: The PM Modi Punjab Convoy Incident
While international threats loom, internal security lapses have also brought PM Modi’s safety into sharp focus. A significant incident occurred on January 5, 2022, during PM Modi’s visit to Punjab. As he traveled by road from Bathinda to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala, his convoy encountered an unexpected blockade. Protestors on a flyover stranded him for an alarming 15-20 minutes, with some reports even extending this to over an hour.
The Prime Minister’s travel plan and schedule had been communicated well in advance to the Punjab Government, which bore the responsibility for logistics, security arrangements, and comprehensive contingency plans, including deploying additional security for road movements. Critically, these crucial additional security measures were conspicuously absent. The incident, which took place approximately 30 km from the memorial, was immediately recognized as a major security lapse, raising serious questions about state accountability and operational protocols.
The aftermath was swift and severe. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) demanded a detailed report from the Punjab government, urging that responsibility for the lapse be fixed and strict action be taken against those accountable. A Supreme Court-appointed inquiry committee later indicted then-state chief secretary Anirudh Tewari, police chief S Chattopadhyaya, and several other top officers, explicitly labeling the incident “a colossal failure in planning and coordination.” In January 2025, further legal action followed, with a court in Ferozepur, Punjab, issuing arrest warrants against 25 farmers associated with the Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari) and the Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union, who allegedly blocked the flyover.
Accountability and Enhanced Protocols After the Punjab Security Breach
Learning from this alarming incident, Punjab police significantly enhanced their security protocols. During the Lok Sabha election campaign in May 2024, a robust seven-layer security cover was implemented for PM Modi’s rallies in locations like Patiala, Dinanagar (Gurdaspur), and Jalandhar, involving various forces. Additionally, accountability was enforced, with action taken against seven police officers involved in the 2022 lapse, including Bathinda SP Gurbinder Singh and DSPs Jagdish Kumar and Prason Singh.
Evolving Security Challenges: Cybersecurity, Deepfakes, and Internal Threats to PM Modi
The spectrum of threats against PM Modi extends beyond specific incidents and includes a diverse array of conventional and emerging challenges. In February 2025, Mumbai Police initiated an investigation after receiving a threatening call about a potential terrorist attack on Prime Minister Modi’s aircraft as he prepared for a diplomatic trip to France and the United States. While a suspect was detained and initial investigations suggested a hoax, it served as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required against terror elements.
PM Modi himself has frequently addressed the evolving security landscape. At a summit in New Delhi on November 16, 2024, he asserted that terrorists now “feel unsafe in their homes,” a stark contrast to previous eras when citizens lived in fear. He often links national security to national unity, emphasizing the slogan “Ek hain to safe hain” (If we are one, we are safe) on occasions like National Unity Day (November 2, 2024), while cautioning against “urban Naxals” who challenge this idea.
Concerns also extend to the digital realm and internal security. In October 2025, at the DG-IG Conference in Bhubaneswar, PM Modi expressed deep concern about threats from digital frauds, cybercrimes, and emerging AI technology, particularly deepfakes. He urged police leadership to harness AI for countering these sophisticated threats, framing it within the vision of an “Aspirational India.” His administration has consistently highlighted actions against internal security threats, including Naxalism and Maoist terrorism, which he described as significant security concerns linked to the future of India’s youth during the NDTV World Summit 2025. There are also ongoing reviews of threats from radical organizations, Khalistani activities, and concerns about the counter-intelligence influence of Chinese Commercial Entities, alongside a rise in cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure. Even the idea of a “divine system” guiding PM Modi’s decisions for public welfare, as stated by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devavrat in October 2025, underscores the perceived importance of his leadership and protection.
From subtle warnings veiled in public statements to dramatic security breaches and the pervasive threat of modern cyberwarfare, the safety of Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains a complex and multi-layered challenge. The incidents recounted here – from the alleged international plots to the tangible failures in domestic security protocols – underscore the relentless vigilance and coordinated efforts required by India’s intelligence and security agencies. As India navigates a dynamic geopolitical landscape and confronts evolving internal challenges, ensuring the unwavering protection of its leader is not merely a matter of personal security but a fundamental pillar of national stability and continuity. The ongoing commitment to enhance security measures, adapt to new threats, and maintain robust intelligence networks is a testament to the nation’s resolve to safeguard its highest office.
About the Author
