Jawed Ashraf (R), Indian ambassador to France and Monaco, meeting the Indian K9 team at Paris. (Photo: X/@JawedAshraf5)
New Delhi: A 10-strong team of highly trained Indian canine units has arrived in the French capital, Paris, on Monday, to reinforce security measures for the upcoming Olympic Games. The deployment marks a significant step in bilateral cooperation between India and France, with the K9 (short form of “canine”) squad tasked with safeguarding key Olympic venues.
The dogs and their handlers were selected from various central armed police forces (CAPFs), including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and National Security Guard (NSG). They underwent a rigorous 10-week specialized training prior to their departure. These highly skilled animals are adept at sniffing out explosives and other potential threats, making them invaluable assets in counterterrorism operations.
On their arrival in Paris, Jawed Ashraf, the Indian ambassador to France and Monaco, gave the K9 teams a warm welcome. Sharing photos of their meeting in a post on X, Ashraf said the dogs gave him a good handshake as well.
Proud to meet 10-member K-9 unit from ??, for a month in Paris to support ?? Security for #ParisOlympics2024.
— Jawed Ashraf (@JawedAshraf5) July 15, 2024
Our K-9 stars & handlers doing well after travel from India; quickly on the job for ??National Day.
Got a nice handshake, too!
One example of ????security cooperation! pic.twitter.com/tOfPfyXGwd
The decision to enlist Indian K9 support follows a formal request from the French embassy in India.
The dogs and their handlers will be stationed at strategic locations across Paris during the Games, working in tandem with French security forces to ensure the safety of athletes, spectators, and officials. They will be deployed on duty until the event is over with the closing ceremony, on August 11.
This is the first time India has contributed canine units to a major international sporting event of this scale. The deployment underscores the growing global recognition of India’s expertise in counterterrorism and security.
While the French authorities have implemented a comprehensive security plan for the Olympics, the addition of Indian K9 capabilities provides an extra layer of protection. The dogs’ keen senses and unwavering loyalty make them indispensable in detecting potential threats that might otherwise go unnoticed.
