For Narendra Modi’s Swearing In, Security Tighter Than R-Day

New Delhi – Narendra Modi’s swearing in as India’s next Prime Minister on Monday will take place under extraordinary three-tier security. Roads near the presidential palace, Rashtrapati Bhawan, will be closed four hours before the event and offices in the area will be shut by noon.

Security will be “tighter than the annual Republic Day parade,” officials have confirmed.

Sources say the Air Force and the Army will be “discreetly involved” but most of the arrangements are being overseen by the Delhi Police, along with paramilitary forces.

Anti-aircraft guns of the air force are being positioned in strategic areas to take care of any flying threat.

Mr Modi is one of the most protected politicians in the country. His swearing-in ceremony has become a worse security nightmare after invites to world leaders including Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Afghan president Hamid Karzai and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Mr Karzai and Mr Rajapaksa have confirmed that they will attend the event.

Mr Modi’s BJP has prepared a list of around 2,500 guests, which will include former presidents and former prime ministers.

A three-layered seating arrangement has been made in the Rashtrapati Bhawan forecourt, where a prime minister will be sworn in only for the third time on Monday.