GG News Bureau
Washington ,9th January -India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was driven nearly 670 kilometers through the United States after a government shutdown grounded commercial flights, according to a newly released State Department report. The unusual journey ensured that the minister arrived in New York on time for a scheduled meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
The seven-hour drive took place in September, during a period when the US government shutdown disrupted air travel nationwide. With flights unavailable, American security officials opted for a road convoy to transport Jaishankar from the US-Canada border to Manhattan.
The account, prepared by the US Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) on December 30 and made public this week, details the logistical complexity behind the operation. Jaishankar was received by US agents at the Lewiston–Queenston Bridge crossing, where Canadian and American authorities coordinated the handover.
A total of 27 agents from the DSS took part, drawing support from its Dignitary Protection Division as well as field offices in New York and Buffalo. Additional teams were positioned along the route to reinforce security.
The motorcade passed through long stretches of upstate New York under challenging conditions. Agents prepared for winter weather, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility, rotating drivers to manage fatigue during the extended journey.
At one point, a sheriff’s office explosive detection dog alerted to the minister’s armored vehicle during a routine handoff. The convoy was briefly halted while local technicians inspected the vehicle. After it was declared safe, the journey resumed without further incident.
The report also highlighted an unexpected moment during the mission. After reaching New York City, one DSS agent encountered a woman who had been badly injured in a hit-and-run accident. The agent stopped to assist her while coordinating with local police and emergency services, ensuring medical help arrived quickly. The incident did not interfere with Jaishankar’s security or schedule.
US officials said the operation demonstrated the flexibility and coordination required to protect visiting foreign dignitaries under extraordinary circumstances. Despite the shutdown and travel disruptions, Jaishankar’s meeting at the UN went ahead as planned.
The Diplomatic Security Service, a branch of the US State Department, is responsible for safeguarding American diplomats and visiting foreign officials worldwide. The episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how diplomacy continues even when governments grind to a halt.
