Protecting the President: Security, VIP Threats & ADC Life | Major Rishabh | FO560 Raj Shamani

Overview

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal—formerly a Special Forces officer and former ADC (aide-de-camp) to the President of India—explains what ADC work involves. He covers how VIP protection and protocols function, and how Special Forces mentality and training shape his approach to risk, people, and responsibility.

ADC role: “closest officer” and execution-heavy work

• He states that ADCs handle everything needed for the President, covering both:
  • Official/professional coordination
  • Personal/logistical requirements
• Examples include:
  • Coordinating communication with the Prime Minister or other dignitaries by routing requests through designated channels and confirming availability before connecting.
  • Arranging personal items (such as stating preferences and collecting samples/bills via agencies) so the President does not need to go into markets herself.
• He emphasizes that ADCs function primarily as an execution and coordination layer, distinct from the President’s security apparatus or “planning” bodies.

Protocols and why even “small” details matter

He describes protocol as comprehensive event management, including:

• Route planning
• Determining who meets whom
• Readiness of staff/PA and electricity arrangements
• Rain contingencies
• Seating, entrances/exits, and movement flow
• Even details like permitted glassware, food, and water

He also highlights an operational principle: when something goes wrong, responsibility falls on the ADC chain, which is why events rely on deep checklists and rehearsals.

Security and access: “sanitized” zones and strict screening

• For large events, he says that at minimum about 1 km of the surrounding area is “sanitized” (no arms/metal/materials; controlled entry).
• Public viewing at major events (e.g., Republic Day) is managed through multi-level checks to prevent incidents.

Touching feet / shaking hands not allowed (risk of hostile intent)

He argues these gestures are prohibited because intent cannot be verified, and mistakes can be broadcast on TV—damaging the President’s image and creating security and public-trust problems.

His protection approach is framed around assuming worst-case possibilities regarding unknown individuals in live public settings.

Handling people and emotions: the hardest part is crowd behavior

He says the central challenge is not merely physical security lapse, but controlling emotional outbursts when people see the President.

Because incidents are live-recorded/telecast, security teams cannot always physically stop individuals easily—and perceived mishandling can have serious consequences.

Appointment process: requests filtered before the President

• Anyone can request to meet the President by sending an official email request.
• Staff vet the request before it is discussed with the President.
• He explains that meetings occur in an appointment room, while the President’s private spaces are reserved for staff and certain official high-level visitors.

Who provides security (police vs SPG; conditional use of army layers)

He presents a layered model:

• The President’s physical security is primarily handled by police services, not the army directly.
• For the Prime Minister, security involves police plus SPG (with SPG as a specialized layer).
• He argues that army/Para SF/NSG are not “normal event” VIP security providers in Delhi, though they may form additional layers depending on the threat environment (e.g., counter-terror areas such as Srinagar).

He uses this to challenge “mix and twist” misconceptions, stressing that responsibilities vary by threat assessment and jurisdiction.

Training and mindset: special forces approach to preparedness and pressure

He describes Special Forces probation/training as involving extreme deprivation and psychological stress exposure, such as:

• Deprivation of sleep/food/water
• Circuited route exercises with hidden objects and tests

On “fearlessness,” he clarifies that it is not about being fearless, but about being trained so fear does not cause panic—through repeated controlled stress.

He outlines a “military mindset” framework with pillars:

1. Situational awareness (what can go wrong, what can be used)
2. Emotional discipline (pause before reacting)
3. Team mindset (trust and coordinated thinking)
4. After-action review (learning from mistakes)

Background checks and distrust-by-default

• He insists ADC selection includes deep background verification to reduce risk, including:
  • Character and complaints history
  • Family background
  • Case history
• He explains ADCs may reject would-be “friends” because closeness can be an attempt at influence or exploitation, especially given their proximity to national leadership.

He also extends this approach personally, saying he is naturally skeptical of new people until trust is earned.

His personal narrative: bond with the President and dealing with rumors

• He describes his first meeting with the President as mother-like, emphasizing a warm, homely relationship.
• He addresses public rumors about his marital/relationship status, stating such narratives are meant to “destroy image,” while he highlights that the bigger concern is harm to his family.

Ceremonial protocol examples: award ceremonies and crowd etiquette

He describes investiture/award procedures such as:

• Where awardees sit
• When they rise
• How citations are read (including on live TV)
• Where awardees look for photographs
• Rules like not leaving seats before the President exits

He also notes that traditional gestures (such as bowing/namaste) may vary, and that protocol’s purpose is to prevent chaos and public disrespect.

Operations and weapons (general claims)

• He discusses Para-Special Forces counterterror/counterinsurgency operations, referencing high-level publicized events (e.g., mention of “Operation Mahadev”).
• For training-style violence, he explains “neutralize” as a military term for eliminating threats.
• He mentions specialized equipment like the Tavor rifle, and argues for self-sufficiency (“Make in India”) rather than reliance on foreign dependencies).

Presenters or contributors

• Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal (former Special Forces officer; former ADC to the President of India)