A newly released report from the US State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) reveals that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was driven 416 miles by US security officials to reach New York during a government shutdown in September. With commercial flights grounded across the United States, 27 DSS agents coordinated a seven-hour road journey from the US-Canada border to Manhattan to ensure the Minister could attend a high-level meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The report, made public on January 8, 2026, highlights the logistical complexity of the operation, which included a bomb-dog scare and an emergency medical intervention by the security detail.
| Feature | Details |
| Distance | 416 miles (approx. 670 km). |
| Duration | 7-hour continuous drive. |
| Route | Lewiston–Queenston Bridge (US-Canada Border) to Manhattan, New York. |
| Security Force | 27 agents from DSS Dignitary Protection, New York, and Buffalo field offices. |
| Cause | US Government shutdown grounding all commercial air travel. |
Coordination & Logistics
The operation required seamless cooperation between multiple international and local agencies:
-
International Cooperation: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and India’s Permanent Mission to the UN worked with US border authorities for the handover at the bridge.
-
Winter Readiness: Agents navigated freezing temperatures and limited visibility in upstate New York, rotating drivers to maintain safety.
-
Security Protocol: The motorcade consisted of armored vehicles and reinforcement teams from various field offices.
Incidents During the Operation
The journey was marked by two significant “unplanned” events:
-
Explosive Detection Scare: During a handoff, a sheriff’s office dog alerted to the Minister’s armored vehicle. Agents immediately secured the perimeter and called in technicians. The vehicle was cleared after a thorough inspection.
-
Hit-and-Run Assistance: Upon reaching New York City, a DSS agent spotted a woman severely injured in a hit-and-run accident. While maintaining the Minister’s security, the detail provided first aid and coordinated with the NYPD and fire department to clear a path for emergency responders.
Strategic Significance
-
Diplomatic Priority: The US State Department categorized the operation as a success, emphasizing that the Minister’s meeting at the UN went ahead without delay despite the national crisis.
-
DSS Role: The incident highlights the specialized capabilities of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the law enforcement and security arm of the State Department, which is tasked with protecting high-profile foreign dignitaries on US soil.
