From Manipur to SPG: PM’s New Shadow Is a She

Clad in a black suit, she appears calm and composed. Her eyes scan every movement, even as she listens intently to critical communications in her earpiece. But don’t let the quiet demeanour fool you — Adaso Kapesa is trained to kill. Her silent presence behind PM Modi during his UK visit signaled a historic shift. A woman in the SPG isn’t just a symbolic entry — it’s a strategic evolution, say experts.

It’s Not About Muscle—It’s Mental Agility

“Women bring cognitive edge, tactical deception, and emotional intelligence — traits vital to elite security,” says Sudeep Lakhtakia, who had a long stint in SPG.

Lakhtakia emphasises that women are often naturally wired for multi-level scenario thinking — a critical skill in assessing threats in real-time. They also bring an element of tactical deception, often flying under the radar due to societal bias, making them formidable in counter-surveillance. In emotionally charged situations, their emotional resilience often gives them an edge, especially in public-facing duties where composure is key.

“While training emphasizes discipline for all personnel, women are often better at maintaining calm in the face of provocation. Assailants sometimes try to agitate male security officers to create distractions-known in security parlance as subterfuge. This tactic can backfire when the officer remains composed and alert, a trait frequently observed among women officers. Security today is not brute force — it’s strategic calm, mental clarity, and high-stakes intuition,” says the retired IPS officer, who has held key posts while in service, including CRPF.

He says communication and cultural sensitivity further enhance the role. “In diplomatic situations, the presence of a woman officer often makes interactions smoother, especially during engagements involving female dignitaries.”

From Snipers to surveillance

Women like Adaso are proving that sharp observation, patience, and composure are now equally important in elite protection roles. Women officers also exhibit exceptional focus and observational skills—key traits of snipers and surveillance experts. “It’s no surprise then that even the Indian Air Force is inducting more women into elite combat roles, recognizing that modern warfare and security aren’t just about brute strength,” says Lakhtakia, adding, “Women aren’t just making security inclusive—they’re making it smarter.”

Veena Gupta: The Original Trailblazer

Veena Gupta paved the way by becoming India’s first female bodyguard. Breaking into the male-dominated industry in 2000, she underwent rigorous six-month training in Bangkok. Her firm, Seam Group Services, offers security services to global firms like Adobe, Barclays, and Bell Helicopter. “Most people would expect a protection officer to be physically bulky. I am neither. I don’t look intimidating—but that’s exactly what gives me the edge,” says Veena, who’s handled protection for international dignitaries like the Prince of Hungary and his wife during high-profile events like Liz Hurley’s wedding in India.

Breaking the Boys’ Club

Adaso Kapesa, an officer from Kaibi village in Senapati dist of Manipu, is now a part of India’s most elite security unit—the SPG, tasked with the PM’s security. Previously with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), she was serving in the 55th Battalion, Pithoragarh, before being inducted into SPG.

Across Borders: Women Bodyguards Making Global Impact

· Trained women police personnel are part of Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin’s core security team. They have been guarding the CM since March 2022 and have undergone extensive training. The women squad is trained in unarmed combat, guns, bomb detection.

· Kimberly Cheatle (USA): Rose from trainee to Director of the U.S. Secret Service in a 30-year career. After an assassination attempt on ex-President Trump led to scrutiny, she resigned—but left behind a legacy.

· Bian Mei (China): The elite female bodyguard fearlessly protected many of the world’s top leaders who visited China on official visits.