Close Protection
Close Protection in Delhi
Planning travel to Delhi? Speak with a security consultant.
Delhi is India’s capital and one of its largest cities. It draws corporate delegations, diplomatic visits, government-sector business, and an increasing volume of technology and financial services travel. The FCDO and US State Department both advise heightened vigilance. That advice is warranted.
The terrorism picture
The FCDO is explicit: terrorists are very likely to carry out attacks in India. That is not a diplomatic hedge. Active groups include Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, both with documented capability and intent; Naxalites operating in central and eastern states; and Daesh and AQIS, assessed as actively planning attacks against Western interests.
Delhi has a lower direct attack history than Mumbai. The 2008 Mumbai attacks remain the most significant recent reference point. But Delhi’s political profile, its concentration of international hotels, the government district, and its transport infrastructure make it a credible target. Security is visibly heightened at major hotels and transport hubs for this reason. The threat is not theoretical.
Sexual assault risk
This requires direct language. The FCDO documents sexual assault risk for female foreign nationals visiting India, including specific cases involving British women. This is not a general travel caution. It reflects documented incidents in multiple states including the capital.
Female principals visiting Delhi require specific security planning. That means a detail including female close protection officers where appropriate. It means no solo movement after dark. It means advance assessment of every venue on the itinerary. This reflects the documented threat environment, not excessive caution.
Satellite phones and GPS: a specific legal risk
British nationals have been arrested in India for carrying satellite phones and GPS devices without a Department of Telecommunications licence. This catches people who treat sat-phones as standard travel kit without checking local law.
Before any Delhi assignment, every piece of communications and navigation equipment needs to be verified against current Indian telecommunications regulations. Standard mobile phones on Indian GSM networks are not affected. The risk is specific to satellite-enabled devices.
Ground movement
The Delhi Metro is generally safe and practical for daytime movement in the central areas it serves. For business travel, app-based taxis (Uber, Ola) are the appropriate choice for road movement. On-street hailing at night is not advisable. Female travellers should avoid solo late-night movement by any transport.
Road conditions present a real hazard outside planned corridors. Night driving is particularly dangerous. Accidents involving cows can escalate quickly, and vehicles stopped in confrontational situations on unfamiliar roads carry a secondary security exposure.
The regulatory environment
PSARA (2005) governs private security in India at the state level. Delhi-based operators hold Delhi state registration. Female close protection officers are available. The demand for them has increased in direct response to the documented threat environment for female principals.
Our operators in Delhi
We work with PSARA-licensed Delhi operators with documented close protection and secure transport experience. Every assignment begins with a briefing specific to the itinerary, covering current terrorism indicators, transport risk assessment, and, for female principals, a specific security plan that reflects the documented threat.
Source: FCDO India travel advice (April 2026). US State Department India advisory (April 2026). OSAC India 2026 Crime and Safety Report.
For country-level regulations and licensing requirements, see our security services in India. Our executive protection team deploys vetted operators in Delhi at 24-hour notice.
Threat Profile
Terrorism
The FCDO states that terrorists are very likely to carry out attacks in India. Active groups include Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which have historic reach into major cities from their Kashmir base; Naxalite (Maoist) groups operating in eastern and central states; and Daesh and AQIS, assessed as planning attacks against Western and government targets. Target types include hotels, restaurants, markets, transport hubs, places of worship, and large public gatherings. Threat is heightened around Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (15 August), Diwali, and Eid. Source: FCDO India travel advice, April 2026.
Sexual Assault Risk
The FCDO specifically documents sexual assault risk for female foreign nationals visiting India, including Delhi. Serious attacks involving British women have been reported across multiple Indian states. Avoid isolated areas at any time of day. Solo travel after dark is not advisable. Female principals require specific security planning, including female close protection officers where appropriate. Source: FCDO India travel advice, April 2026.
Satellite Phone and GPS Restrictions
Satellite phones and GPS devices are illegal in India without a licence from the Department of Telecommunications. British nationals have been arrested for carrying these devices without proper authorisation. Check all equipment before travel. Do not carry satellite communication devices as standard kit without verifying current Indian licencing requirements. Source: FCDO India travel advice, April 2026.
Food and Drink Spiking
FCDO documents cases where British nationals have been robbed or assaulted after accepting food or drinks from strangers. This applies in social settings, at transport hubs, and in apparently reputable venues. Do not accept food or drinks from people you do not know.
Road Safety
India has a high road death rate. Livestock on roads, unpredictable driving standards, and limited visibility at night make road travel a genuine operational hazard. Accidents involving cows can attract hostile crowds and create a secondary threat for vehicle occupants. Night driving outside secure corridors carries elevated risk.
Vetted operators with direct experience in Delhi
Available Services in Delhi
Bodyguard Hire
PSARA-licensed close protection officers with current Delhi operational knowledge. Available on single-operator and multi-operator details, including female CP officers.
Executive Protection
Full security details for C-suite executives and visiting principals. Advance work, venue assessment, route planning, and 24-hour coverage available.
Security Drivers
Trained drivers with Delhi route knowledge and threat-aware vehicle operation. App taxis are an alternative for lower-risk movements; on-street hailing at night is not.
Event Security
Security planning and staffing for corporate events, investor gatherings, and private functions at Delhi venues.
Residential Security
Property security for expatriate residences, corporate accommodation, and hotel-based principals in Delhi.
Security Regulations
Key regulatory requirements for operating security services in Delhi.
Firearms Policy
Armed private security in India requires state-level permissions under the Arms Act 1959. Armed close protection is practiced for UHNWI, corporate executives, and political principals. All armed operators must hold current state-issued authorisation.
Licensing
India's private security sector is regulated under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act 2005 (PSARA). State-level licensing is mandatory. Female close protection officers are available and increasingly in demand for assignments involving female principals.
Foreign Operators
Foreign security operators cannot carry firearms in India. All assignments require Indian-licensed operators or India-registered security companies. International clients work through compliant local partners.
Zone Intelligence
Lower-Risk Areas
- Lutyens Delhi: Diplomatic enclave with restricted access, dense security presence, and lower incident rates
- Connaught Place: Central business district, strong security infrastructure during business hours
- South Delhi (Hauz Khas, Defence Colony): Relative safety, established residential and commercial areas
- Aerocity: Airport hotel district with strong private security and modern infrastructure
Elevated-Risk Areas
- Paharganj: Budget tourist area with documented scams, petty crime, and elevated risk after dark
- Old Delhi at night: High-density historic area with reduced police visibility and elevated street crime
- Isolated areas and parks after dark: Significant assault risk, particularly for female travellers
Emergency Contacts
Police
100
Ambulance
108
Fire
101
Important Warnings
- The FCDO rates terrorism in India as very likely. Delhi has been a potential target for LeT, JeM, and Daesh-linked activity. Hotels, markets, transport hubs, and public gatherings are the documented target types. Factor unpredictability into every itinerary.
- Female travellers face documented, specific risk in Delhi. The FCDO advice reflects recorded incidents involving female foreign nationals, not general caution. Solo movement at night is not advisable under any circumstances. Female CP officers are available and appropriate for female principals.
- Do not carry satellite phones or GPS devices into India without a Department of Telecommunications licence. British nationals have been arrested. Check all equipment before departure.
- Do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Drink and food spiking resulting in robbery and assault is documented by FCDO.
- Delhi Police has documented corruption. Judicial process is slow. Detainment for extended periods without resolution is a real possibility. Carry a copy of your passport and have legal contacts available.
Frequently Asked Questions
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