New Delhi tightens security, traffic protocols for BRICS leaders

New Delhi is increasing security and modifying traffic protocols as world leaders prepare for the 18th BRICS Summit this weekend. Indian authorities have deployed around 25,000 security personnel, comprising traffic police, paramilitary forces, and the National Security Guard (NSG), to ensure smooth movement of leaders and officials.

The summit, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focuses on building resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. The theme aims to strengthen resilience, economic cooperation, trade, and investment reforms. Leaders from BRICS member and partner countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, along with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, are expected to attend.

India, under its chairmanship, has organized over 350 meetings and high-level engagements in 25 cities across the country to further strengthen the BRICS strategic partnership across political, economic, and cultural sectors. The BRICS group, initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, later expanded to include South Africa in 2011 and additional countries in 2023 and 2024.

As a founding member, India has chaired the forum three times previously, with this being its fourth chairmanship in 2026, marking 20 years since its inception.