BRICS Summit: As world leaders gather in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, their spouses and family members are set to get a glimpse of the Capital beyond its diplomatic corridors, with a programme featuring traditional crafts, museums, modern art and some of the city’s best-known cultural landmarks.
The three-day BRICS Summit, which began on September 11, has prompted extensive arrangements across the Capital, with officials preparing a cultural itinerary for the visiting spouses. While the schedule is still being finalised, a visit to the Crafts Bazaar at Bharat Mandapam is expected to be among the highlights.
The bazaar offers a showcase of India’s traditional arts, crafts and handlooms, giving the visiting dignitaries an opportunity to experience
the country’s cultural diversity in one place.
From Traditional Crafts To Modern Art
Officials said arrangements are also being made for visits to the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). The programme is intended to offer the visitors an insight into India’s political history as well as its modern and contemporary artistic traditions.
The National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy are also part of the planned itinerary. A special BRICS Bazaar is being organised on September 12, featuring crafts and products from BRICS countries and showcasing the cultural diversity of the grouping.
A lunch at The Lodhi is also among the engagements being planned for the visiting spouses. Jaipur House, which houses the NGMA, is another proposed stop.
The Central Cottage Industries Emporium at Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan is also expected to feature in the programme. Officials said the emporium may remain closed to regular customers for several hours to facilitate the VIP visit, with the spouses expected to visit at around 2 pm and remain there until approximately 4 pm.
Delhi Markets And Heritage Sites On The List
The visiting dignitaries may also get an opportunity to experience some of Delhi’s iconic markets. Khan Market, Chandni Chowk and Janpath are among the places being considered, offering distinctly different glimpses of the Capital – from contemporary shopping and traditional handicrafts to the historic lanes of Old Delhi.
Several heritage landmarks are also under consideration, including Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid and the Red Fort.
However, officials have stressed that the proposed list does not mean every location will necessarily be visited. The final itinerary will depend on the time available, weather conditions, security requirements and the movement schedules of the visiting leaders and their delegations.
Security Tightened For VVIP Movements
With several VVIPs in the Capital during the BRICS Summit, security arrangements have been stepped up along the proposed routes and at the venues.
Delhi Police has deployed personnel, including officers in plain clothes, in crowded areas such as marketplaces. The aim is to maintain close surveillance while avoiding unnecessary disruption to the movement of visitors and the public.
CCTV networks at marketplaces and other potential venues are also being closely monitored as part of the wider security arrangements. Multiple quick reaction teams and Delhi Police personnel have been deployed at key locations, while ambulances are being positioned as part of the emergency-response arrangements.
Officials said the itinerary may also be altered at short notice depending on weather and security considerations.
A Cultural Showcase For BRICS Guests
The programme is intended to offer the visiting spouses more than a break from the formal summit schedule. It also provides India with an opportunity to showcase its political heritage, traditional craftsmanship, contemporary art and the cultural character of Delhi.
From the handlooms and handicrafts at Bharat Mandapam to the historic streets of Chandni Chowk and the collections at the National Gallery of Modern Art, the proposed itinerary brings together several aspects of the Capital.
With the final schedule still subject to security and logistical considerations, the visiting spouses are expected to experience a side of Delhi that extends well beyond the BRICS Summit’s formal venues.
