India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar undertook an unusual 670-km road journey in the United States to reach New York for a scheduled meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, after a government shutdown led to the grounding of commercial flights.
According to a report by the US State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), released this week and cited by Indo-Asian News Service (IANS), the incident took place during a shutdown in September when air travel across the country was halted.
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Shutdown forced switch from air to road
As per a NDTV report, with flights unavailable, US security officials opted for a road convoy to ensure the minister reached New York on time. Jaishankar was received by American security personnel at the Lewiston–Queenston Bridge on the US-Canada border, following coordination with India’s UN mission, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and US border authorities.
From there, a motorcade travelled approximately 416 miles (around 670 km) to Manhattan, a journey that took nearly seven hours. The route passed through long stretches of upstate New York, with teams planning for winter weather, freezing temperatures and low visibility.
The DSS report said 27 security agents were involved in the operation, drawn from the agency’s Dignitary Protection Division and its New York and Buffalo field offices. Some agents drove separately to reinforce teams stationed along the route, and drivers were rotated to manage fatigue during the long trip.
Security incidents along the way
The report noted that during a handover involving a local sheriff’s office, an explosive detection dog briefly alerted to the minister’s armoured vehicle. The area was secured immediately, local technicians were called in, and after inspection the vehicle was cleared. The convoy then continued without further delay.
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After reaching New York City, one of the security agents assisting with the operation encountered a woman who had been seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident. The agent provided assistance while others coordinated with city police and fire officials to manage traffic and allow emergency responders access. The woman later received medical care. Officials said this did not affect Jaishankar’s security arrangements.
US officials said the road operation ensured that the minister’s meeting with the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres went ahead as planned, despite the logistical challenges caused by the shutdown.
The Diplomatic Security Service, a wing of the US State Department, is responsible for protecting American diplomats and visiting foreign dignitaries.
