In a rare move amid growing tensions in West Asia, the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi has formally asked the Delhi Police for access to its shooting range to train embassy security personnel. This is the first known request of its kind by any embassy to use the Delhi Police’s facilities.
On September 23, the Israeli Embassy submitted a letter to the Delhi Police’s security division, seeking use of the New Police Lines shooting range, which falls under the Delhi Police Academy but is supervised by the security division for matters involving the embassy. Senior officials discussed the request before forwarding it to the Delhi Police headquarters for final approval.
According to a senior security official, there is a strong chance the request will be denied, citing the unprecedented nature of the request, and confirmed that a final decision is pending. Notably, the letter did not clarify the purpose of the training or the number of personnel who would participate.
Both the Delhi Police and the Israeli Embassy declined to comment when approached for further details, as per media reports.
As security concerns escalate in West Asia, New Delhi’s police and security units are reported to have intensified surveillance around the embassy on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road.
National security agencies have also urged state and Union Territory police chiefs to enhance security around Israeli and Jewish institutions, including Chabad houses and other high-profile venues.
Security around the Israeli Embassy has been on high alert since two low-intensity explosions occurred nearby in recent years. The first, on January 29, 2021, exploded around 100 meters from the embassy on the anniversary of India-Israel diplomatic ties, while a second incident took place on December 26, 2023.
