In a historic move, India's renowned K-9 team, the elite dog squad of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), has been deployed to enhance security measures for the upcoming Paris Olympics. This marks the first time the unit has been assigned to an international event of this scale, signifying a milestone in India's security cooperation with France.
Javed Ashraf, the Indian Ambassador to France, announced the deployment of a ten-member K-9 team to Paris. These highly trained canines, accompanied by their ITBP handlers, will be stationed in the city for a month, contributing their expertise to ensure the safety of the Olympic Games.
The Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, are being met with stringent security preparations in response to potential terrorist threats and public order concerns. Recognizing India's experience in security operations, the K-9 team has been invited to bolster these efforts.
Notably, the ITBP K-9 unit had already played a role in securing France's National Day celebrations on July 14, demonstrating their capabilities during the grand parade in Paris.
The K-9 unit, comprised of breeds like Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and local dogs, boasts exceptional skills in detecting explosives, ammunition, and narcotics. They are indispensable assets for VVIP security, serving alongside the Special Protection Group (SPG) and National Security Guards (NSG), and are also instrumental in identifying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Naxal-affected regions.
Trained at Bhanu near Chandigarh, the ITBP dog squad undergoes a rigorous training regimen similar to that of the Indian Army's sniffer teams. These army teams, trained at the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) in Meerut, play a critical role in counter-terrorism operations along the Line of Control (LoC).
The deployment of India's K-9 team to the Paris Olympics reflects the nation's commitment to international security cooperation and showcases the specialized capabilities of these remarkable canines. Their presence is expected to significantly enhance security measures and contribute to the safe and successful execution of the games.
