The President's Bodyguard (PBG) is an elite domestic cavalry regiment of the Indian Army. It is considered at the top of the order of priority of all regiments of the Indian Army. The primary role of the President's bodyguard is to provide security to the President of India. This is the reason why the regiment is permanently stationed at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, India.
It was in India in 1773 that when European soldiers were recruited to serve the East India Company, they were told of their role. Since there was no infiltration of any kind at that time in the East India Company's army, two dragon soldiers and a contingent of hussars were employed to later become personal bodyguards to the Governor-General.
The regiment earned its first war honor 'Java' in 1811. Currently, PBG also has the unique distinction of being the only living entity to hold this honor. The PBG fought all the main battles of the First Sikh War and earned four battle honors.
The regiment was partitioned during 1988–89 to the Indian Peacekeeping Force for Sri Lanka and Somalia, Angola, and Sierra Leone to keep the United Nations peace.
The Commanding Officer (CO) of the PBG is always of the rank of Brigadier or Colonel. He is assisted by Majors, Captain, Risaldar. Soldiers hold the rank of sowar or hero. The regiment in India is now recruited with officers and administrative staff from all over India on an equal share of Jat Sikhs, Hindu Jats, and Rajputs.