President's Bodyguard

President's Bodyguard
Unit name	President's Bodyguard
Caption	Ceremonial troopers at state arrival
Dates	1773–present
Country	India
Branch	Indian Army
Type	Household Cavalry
Role	Presidential escort and ceremonial cavalry
Size	Squadron
Garrison	New Delhi
Nickname	PBG
Motto	"Seva Prapti"
March	"Sare Jahan Se Achchha"

President's Bodyguard is the senior-most household cavalry and escort unit of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for safeguarding the President of India and performing state ceremonial duties. Tracing origins to colonial-era cavalry regiments, the unit combines operational escort with highly visible public ceremonial roles at locations such as Rashtrapati Bhavan, Red Fort, and state arrival ceremonies for foreign dignitaries from countries including United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and Japan. The unit is noted for its continuity across transitions involving figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Pranab Mukherjee.

History

Raised in 1773 under the East India Company era, the unit evolved through service with formations connected to Bengal Presidency, Madras Presidency, and Bombay Presidency before integration into the British Indian Army and later the Indian Army after 1947. It served through conflicts and political milestones including the First Anglo-Burmese War, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the World War I, and the World War II, later participating in the post-independence reorganisations during the tenure of leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Following independence, the unit was redesignated and tasked to provide direct personal escort to the President, aligning ceremonial practice with constitutional functions established by the Constituent Assembly of India. Its lineage intersects with regiments that fought at Gallipoli, Somme, and theaters in Mesopotamia and North Africa.

Roles and Duties

The unit's primary duty is close escort and ceremonial protection of the President of India including mounting guard at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and providing escorts for state visits by heads of state from Australia, Germany, China, Brazil, and South Africa. It performs mounted and dismounted escort during investiture ceremonies involving awards such as the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, and participates in protocol for events linked to the Prime Minister of India, the Ministry of Defence, and state ceremonies at the Parliament of India. The unit also undertakes ceremonial mounted patrols and public duties interacting with institutions like the Armed Forces and national establishments such as the National Cadet Corps during commemorations for anniversaries related to Indian independence and republic celebrations referencing the Republic Day of India.

Organization and Structure

Organized as a squadron within the Indian Army's cavalry traditions, the unit is commanded by an officer from armoured or cavalry regiments with a lineage connecting to units such as Poona Horse, Scinde Horse, Skinner's Horse, and 9th Horse. Sub-units include mounted squadrons, dismounted escort troops, administrative cadres, and a veterinary detachment affiliated with institutions like the Army Veterinary Corps and logistical support coordinated through the Indian Ordnance Factories. Personnel are drawn from regiments across the Armed Forces and rotate through the unit, interacting with commands such as Northern Command and deployments coordinated from garrisons in New Delhi and nearby cantonments.

Uniforms and Insignia

The unit preserves a distinctive dress combining cavalry heritage with republican symbolism: high-plumed helmets, ceremonial lances, and tunics bearing motifs reminiscent of pre-1947 lancers and regiments such as Governor General's Bodyguard and Household Cavalry. Insignia incorporate the Ashoka Lion Capital, presidential standard colours, and regimental badges reflecting ties to historic lancer badges, sabre motifs, and state emblems used during functions with delegates from Commonwealth of Nations members like Canada and New Zealand. Equipment and accoutrements include ceremonial swords similar to patterns used by Royal Horse Guards and forage caps paralleling designs seen in units such as Household Cavalry (United Kingdom) while preserving indigenous elements associated with historic princely states such as Mysore and Gwalior.

Ceremonial Functions and Public Duties

The unit plays a central role in state protocol: mounted escorts for arrival ceremonies at Indira Gandhi International Airport, trooping the presidential standard during Republic Day parades on Rajpath, and participating in state funerals for dignitaries such as former Presidents and Prime Ministers including Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and Indira Gandhi. It provides escorts for visiting heads of state from multilateral partners at summits like the G20 and bilateral talks involving leaders from Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and South Korea. Public-facing duties include demonstrations of equestrian skill at national events organised by bodies like the Sports Authority of India and ceremonial displays at historic sites such as the India Gate.

Training and Selection

Selection draws experienced troopers and officers from armoured regiments and cavalry units including Jodhpur Lancers-line units and armoured corps personnel who undergo specialised training at establishments like the Defence Services Staff College, the Equestrian Federation of India-affiliated centres, and the Army Marksmanship Unit where discipline in drill, equitation, and ceremonial weapon handling is emphasised. Training covers mounted drill, ceremonial protocol, close protection tactics familiar to units associated with the Special Frontier Force and coordination with President's Secretariat security protocols. Veterinary care and horse management training are coordinated with the Army Veterinary Corps and equestrian academies in regions such as Hisar and Rajasthan.

Notable Operations and Incidents

Historically, members served in theatres from colonial campaigns to independent India's security operations, including protective duties during periods of political crisis such as the Emergency (India, 1975–1977) and heightened security during visits by figures like Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin. The unit has featured in state media and archival records relating to ceremonial mishaps, equestrian accidents during parades, and high-profile security responses coordinated with the Special Protection Group and Central Reserve Police Force during national events. Its participation in national commemorations has been captured alongside other formations such as the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy in official ceremonies and public archives.

Category:Military units and formations of India