India Tightens Security as BRICS Summit Opens in New Delhi

By Benson Daniel

Security has been significantly tightened across New Delhi as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit, bringing together leaders from major emerging economies for a two-day meeting focused on global economic and geopolitical issues.

The summit opened in New Delhi on Saturday, September 12, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside representatives of other BRICS member states.

Indian authorities have deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel around the summit venue, hotels accommodating foreign leaders and key routes expected to be used by official convoys. Bharat Mandapam, the main summit venue, has been placed under heightened security, with multiple layers of protection introduced ahead of the arrival of high-profile delegates.

The increased security presence has also brought tighter traffic controls across parts of the Indian capital. Several major roads have been placed under restrictions or subject to diversions as authorities seek to ensure smooth movement for visiting heads of state and senior officials.

The summit is taking place against a backdrop of heightened international tensions, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and growing strategic competition between the United States and China. These issues are expected to influence discussions among BRICS leaders as the group seeks to strengthen its role in global affairs.

Economic cooperation is also high on the agenda, with leaders expected to discuss trade, investment, energy security, technology and ways of reducing dependence on Western-dominated financial systems. The expanded BRICS grouping has increasingly sought greater use of national currencies in trade and stronger financial cooperation among member countries.

The meeting also carries particular significance for India and China. Modi and Xi are expected to hold talks on the sidelines of the summit as the two countries attempt to consolidate a cautious improvement in relations following years of tension along their disputed Himalayan border.

The heightened security measures reflect the scale of the gathering, with several world leaders converging on the Indian capital at the same time. Authorities have also conducted extensive checks and deployed specialised security teams around locations connected to the visiting delegations.

India, which assumed the BRICS chairmanship for 2026, is hosting the summit under the theme of building resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. The two-day meeting is scheduled to conclude on September 13 with the adoption of a New Delhi Declaration outlining the bloc’s priorities and decisions.