"Our world is confronted by the threat of terrorism, sometimes from non-state actors. The number of important dignitaries at risk from terrorist threats has increased and is a source of great concern for governments around the world," he said addressing the elite Special Protection Group (SPG) Raising Day in New Delhi.

Stressing the need to work with the international community to devise measures to combat this menace, particularly in democratic countries, he said "terrorism anywhere is a threat to freedom and democracy everywhere".

He said the Government was committed to deal with threats to peace, security, political stability, economic progress, social and communal harmony in the country.

"Whatever the source of terrorism, we are determined to root it out and ensure that in a democracy, political change can only come through the ballot box and not through the barrel of a gun," Singh said.

Lauding the role of SPG, Singh said political leaders in a democratic society would like to be as close to the people as possible. He said they dislike being cordoned off by a ring of impenetrable security.

To protect leaders in a democracy and at the same time ensure that they are accessible to the general public, requires considerable skill, he said adding that SPG has no alternative but to act as an interface between the people and the political leaders while ensuring their security.

He said SPG's procedures and practice of handling the public must continue to evolve along with its professional skills.

"Today, after 23 years, SPG has developed and evolved into a formidable force, displaying a high degree of professionalism and the most outstanding level of commitment to its responsibilities," he said.

"It is indeed a matter of pride that India has such a committed and well-trained force, a force that is second to none in the world, for the security of the highest political leadership," Singh said.