The Special Protection Group (SPG) (विशेष सुरक्षा दल) is an armed force of the Union for providing proximate security to the Prime Minister of India and former Prime Minister of India and members of their immediate families.
It was formed in 1988 by an act of the Parliament of India.
The "general superintendence, direction and control" of the SPG is exercised by, the Central Government.
The head of the force, called a Director, who is responsible for "the command and supervision" of the force. The director of the SPG since its inception has been an officer from the Indian Police service.
Personnel of the Special Protection Group are drawn from Central Armed Police Forces and Railway Protection Force, but the officers are from the IPS.
In summer, the SPG men dress in the trademark safari suits, and in winter, formal suits, with reflective sunglasses and a communication earpiece, and concealed personal weapons.
Personal equipment includes Nomex Coveralls, Tactical Goggles Bulletproof vest Level III NIJ, Kevlar tactical gloves, Elbow and knee pads, Non-skid tactical boots.
