New Delhi: Delhi has been placed on high alert with heightened security and temporary traffic restrictions as India prepares to host top global leaders for the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam this weekend.
Around 15,000 Delhi Police personnel, 200 companies of paramilitary forces and more than 500 CCTV cameras have been deployed across the capital for the two-day summit, beginning Saturday.
The Delhi Traffic Police said there would be no city-wide shutdown, but commuters should expect temporary road closures, diversions and restrictions along routes used by VVIP convoys.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Delhi on Friday morning for the summit, while China has confirmed President Xi Jinping’s participation. The visit will be Xi’s first trip to India in seven years.
Other leaders expected to attend include Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Officials said around 4,800 traffic personnel have been deployed specifically for summit-related arrangements. Delhi Metro services will continue as normal, although temporary restrictions could be imposed at some stations or entry and exit gates if required for security reasons.
