New Delhi, India

India's capital Delhi was declared a no-fly-zone as multi-layered security arrangements were made across the city which prepares to host Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as the prime minister for a third consecutive term.

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On Friday (June 7), the Delhi Police said that the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms - like paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-size powered aircraft, and quadcopters along with other unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft systems (UAVs and UAS) - remained banned in the national capital from Sunday (June 2) to Monday (June 3). The police also banned para-jumping from aircraft.

As per the order, police decided to declare a no-fly zone after receiving information that “criminals and terrorists inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries, and vital installations by the use of such platforms”.

Multi-layered security, high alert in the city

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A multi-layered security cordon has been formed by the Special Protection Group (SPG), the National Security Guard (NSG), armed paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police near the Rashtrapati Bhavan where the swearing-in ceremony will take place.

Three-layered security will be implemented both inside and outside the premises as the president's house will remain blanketed by five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandoes, drones and snipers.

A high alert has already been declared in the city and security has also been enhanced near hotels where the world leaders will stay and along the routes that the foreign dignitaries will be using.

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Also Read: India govt formation: Modi to take oath as prime minister at 7.15 pm on June 9

“The traffic police will impose restrictions and diversions on certain roads in central Delhi during the swearing-in ceremony. Multiple meetings of senior police officers have taken place in the police headquarters and in the New Delhi district to discuss the security and traffic arrangement plans. Nearly 3,000 security and traffic personnel will remain deployed in and around the venue,” said an officer, while speaking to Indian media outlets.

“Around 2,500 police personnel, including five companies of paramilitary and Delhi Armed Police (DAP) jawans, have been planned to be deployed around the venue,” added the officer.

Along the routes of the dignitaries, snipers and armed police personnel will be deployed and drones will be flown at the strategic locations.

Delhi Police’s SWAT and NSG commandos will also be stationed around the President’s house as well as at different strategic locations.

Leaders from India's neighbourhood to join the ceremony

The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be attended by the top leaders of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius and Seychelles as reports suggest the government has prepared the guest list based on New Delhi’s “Neighbourhood First Policy”.

The leaders are likely to stay in five-star hotels Leela, Taj, ITC Maurya, Claridges and Oberoi in the capital city.

Among the likely attendees are Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremasinghe, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives.

Rashtrapati Bhavan cancels Change of Guard ceremony 

The weekly Change of Guard ceremony has been cancelled by Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 8, 15, and 22 in view of the ongoing preparations for the oath-taking ceremony at its forecourt and President Droupadi Murmu's planned address to both the houses of the parliament.

Watch: PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security enhanced across Delhi

"The Change of Guard ceremony will not take place on June 8, 15 and 22, 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan due to the preparation for the Swearing-in-Ceremony of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Forecourt, Rashtrapati Bhavan and address to both the Houses of Parliament by the President," it said in a statement.

PM Modi to take oath on June 9

In a statement, India's Rashtrapati Bhavan said President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 09.

Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu on June 7 and staked claim to form the government. While speaking to the media, Modi said, “The President has appointed me as PM-designate. I assure you that the speed with which the country progressed in the previous terms, will continue to do so." 

In the Lok Sabha elections 2024, BJP-led NDA collision got a majority with 292 seats which paved the way for their comeback to power. 

(With inputs from agencies)