Six Mercs for VIPs cleared, Govt ends its bullet-proof embarrassment

Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse is a big security risk and so is the Bangladesh PM. Given that Dhaka was able to provide a car to each dignitary at the last summit, the MEA approached the Finance Ministry to obtain clearance for purchasing six new cars.

The clearance did not come easily. It8217;s learnt that North Block asked the MEA to check with the SPG if it can spare cars. This was ruled out because the SPG does not allow the PM8217;s fleet to be disturbed. The other question was why Mercedes? India has several bullet-proof Ambassador cars that can be put to use.

Detailed explanations had to go out on how VIP security has changed over the past few years and India needs to offer state-of-the-art bullet-proof cars, not old Ambassadors. Finally, the clearance came and the orders have now been placed. Each car is expected to cost up to Rs 5 crore.