Archive · 9 Jan 2026
US DSS executed bold plan for Jaishankar's road trip during shutdown
During a time when the US government was shut down and flights were not available, the External Affairs Minister of India, S Jaishankar, had to travel a long distance by road to reach New York City.
He was driven 670 km from the US-Canada border to Manhattan by a team of 27 security agents.
This journey took about 7 hours and had to be carefully planned because of cold weather and other challenges.
Despite some issues along the way, like a dog alerting to the minister's car, the trip was completed successfully.
The main goal was to ensure that the minister could attend an important meeting with the head of the United Nations.
The US security team worked with Indian and Canadian officials to make sure everything went smoothly.
The mission was seen as a significant challenge and was executed with a focus on disciplined execution, mission focus, technical proficiency, and unwavering readiness, aligning with the US's 'America First' policy priorities.
S Jaishankar traveled 670 km by road from the US-Canada border to New York City during a US government shutdown in November 2025.
The journey was necessary to attend a scheduled meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
A team of 27 security agents from the US Diplomatic Security Service facilitated the 7-hour drive.
The motorcade faced challenges such as freezing temperatures, limited visibility, and an explosive detection dog alerting to the minister's armored vehicle.
The operation ensured the minister's meeting went ahead as planned, despite the shutdown and related disruptions, and was seen as a mission-defining challenge executed with a focus on disciplined execution and mission focus.
- Who
- S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India
- What
- A 670 km road trip from the US-Canada border to New York City
- When
- During a US government shutdown in November 2025
- Where
- From the Lewiston–Queenston Bridge to Manhattan, New York
- Why
- To attend a scheduled meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and uphold the bureau's core mission of protection
- Distance Traveled
- 416 miles (670 km)
- Duration of Drive
- 7 hours
- Number of Agents Involved
- 27
- Meeting Purpose
- Scheduled meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
- Reporting Agency
- US Diplomatic Security Service
- Date of Report
- December 30 (made public on January 8)
- Weather Conditions
- Freezing temperatures and limited visibility
- Incident During Trip
- Explosive detection dog alerted to the minister's armored vehicle
- US Policy Alignment
- America First policy priorities
- Mission Execution
- Disciplined execution, mission focus, technical proficiency, and unwavering readiness
Sources
Why S Jaishankar Had To Travel 670 Km By Road In US To Meet UN Chief
US State Dept highlights ‘mission-defining challenge’ during Jaishankar’s New York visit in Nov last year
US had a 'mission-defining' challenge during Jaishankar's visit in Nov
Revealed: How US ensured Jaishankar's security during shutdown
No Flights, Freezing Cold: Why EAM Jaishankar Had to Travel 670 km by Road in the US — Inside a Rare Security Operation
Why EAM Jaishankar travelled for 7 hrs via road in the US to meet UN chief
