India

India Deploys Massive Security Operation Ahead of BRICS Summit as Putin Arrives, Xi Set to Follow

By Fareha Naaz

New Delhi has launched an extensive security operation ahead of the BRICS summit, with Russian President Vladimir Putin landing in the capital early Friday and Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to arrive on September 12. Authorities have arranged fortified hotel accommodations, multi-layered security protocols, and large motorcades for both leaders during their visits.

Xi Jinping will land at Palam Air Force Station and proceed to the Taj Hotel, while Putin will stay at the Maurya Hotel throughout his three-day visit, according to India Today. Foreign security teams equipped with advanced weaponry have already arrived in Delhi to oversee arrangements at their respective leaders' hotels, with security personnel stationed across all floors of both hotel complexes.

Approximately 15,000 personnel, comprising local police and members of various paramilitary forces, have been mobilized to secure the summit. For Putin specifically, a four-layer security structure has been established: a Close Protection Team providing immediate security, an inner circle of senior Delhi Police officers, a middle layer of Delhi Police commandos and paramilitary personnel, and an outer layer managed by local police that includes heavy surveillance around hotel perimeters.

Authorities have conducted multiple route rehearsals to test security measures along paths connecting the airport, hotels, and Bharat Mandapam, the summit venue. The Delhi Traffic Police has implemented significant traffic restrictions, regulating vehicular movement across the city from 2 pm to 8:30 pm on Friday. More than 35 roads have been identified for controlled movement, with 22 diversion points established throughout Delhi. Nearly 4,800 traffic personnel have been deployed to manage the movement of foreign delegations and VVIP convoys. Visitors have been advised to avoid the designated restricted routes to minimize disruption.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that additional world leaders will attend the two-day summit, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The summit, themed "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," will focus on strengthening cooperation among BRICS nations on shared priorities, alongside discussions on broader global and regional issues of mutual concern.