Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit has triggered an extensive security operation across the capital, with multiple agencies working to secure his hotel, travel routes and summit venues.
Xi is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on Saturday, September 12, for a roughly 24-hour visit. His trip comes as India hosts leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping for the summit at Bharat Mandapam.
The security arrangements are part of a much wider operation covering foreign dignitaries, their hotels, airports, major roads and the summit venue. Delhi Police and central security agencies have deployed thousands of personnel across the city, with anti-drone systems, surveillance networks and specialised teams forming part of the security plan.
Xi’s Hotel and Movement Under Heavy Security
Xi and his delegation are expected to stay in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic district, where security has been intensified ahead of his arrival.
The Chinese president’s movements will be coordinated through closely controlled routes connecting his accommodation with the summit venue and other scheduled engagements.
Security agencies have also conducted rehearsals and checks along routes expected to be used by visiting leaders. The arrangements are designed to protect the high-profile delegations while keeping disruptions to normal life in Delhi to a minimum.
Anti-Drone Measures and Surveillance Expanded
The possibility of unauthorised aerial activity has emerged as an important part of the summit security planning.
Authorities have installed anti-drone systems around sensitive areas and restricted the use of unauthorised aerial objects in designated zones.
Delhi Police has also expanded surveillance around the summit venue, hotels and major movement corridors. More than 100 trained sniffer dogs have been deployed for anti-sabotage checks at Bharat Mandapam, hotels and routes associated with the visiting dignitaries.
Thousands of Security Personnel Deployed
The BRICS security operation extends well beyond Xi’s personal protection.
Around 15,000 Delhi Police personnel and 200 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed for the summit, according to police officials. Other reports put the broader deployment at more than 30,000 personnel when different security components are counted.
The arrangements cover Bharat Mandapam, hotels housing foreign leaders, airports and important roads used by official motorcades.
CCTV surveillance has also been strengthened. Around 500 cameras, including systems capable of automatic number-plate recognition, are being used as part of the wider monitoring network.
Bharat Mandapam at the Centre of Security Operation
Bharat Mandapam, the main venue for the BRICS leaders’ meeting, has been placed under enhanced security.
Multiple agencies are working at the venue, while bomb detection teams and canine units are conducting checks. High-rise buildings and sensitive locations around the summit area are also being monitored.
The security measures are intended to ensure that the leaders can attend scheduled meetings without disruption.
Delhi Faces Traffic Restrictions
The summit has also resulted in restrictions and diversions across several parts of the capital.
Police have identified major routes used by VVIP convoys and are regulating traffic during movements of visiting leaders. Commuters have been advised to check traffic advisories before travelling through affected areas.
The measures are expected to remain particularly strict during the main summit days on September 12 and 13.
Xi-Modi Meeting Closely Watched
Xi’s visit is significant beyond the BRICS summit because he is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The meeting comes amid a cautious improvement in India-China relations following the easing of tensions along the disputed border and the gradual restoration of some economic and travel links. Reuters reported that the two countries have seen a thaw in relations since the 2024 disengagement agreement, although strategic differences remain.
Xi’s Delhi visit therefore carries both diplomatic and security significance. With Russian President Vladimir Putin and other BRICS leaders also in the capital, Indian authorities are maintaining a comprehensive security framework across the city as the summit gets underway.
