Five-Star Fortresses for Global Leaders
Hosting leaders from the world's major emerging economies requires more than just conference rooms; it demands turning public spaces into private fortresses. For the 2026 summit, Delhi's premier hotels have become temporary homes for heads of state and their
extensive delegations. Over 3,000 rooms across the city have been booked to accommodate delegates. To ensure security and streamline protocol, leaders are spread across different properties. For instance, Russian President Vladimir Putin is staying at the Maurya Hotel, which has been placed under a four-layer security cordon. Chinese President Xi Jinping has been allotted a separate hotel, with security teams from both China and Russia arriving in advance with their own equipment. Other hotels like The Oberoi, The LaLiT, and Le Méridien are hosting delegations from countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, effectively converting these properties into high-security diplomatic hubs.
An Unprecedented Security Grid
The security operation is one of the most extensive the capital has seen. Around 15,000 Delhi Police personnel and 200 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed. The security grid is multi-layered, covering not just the hotels but all key routes to the main venue, Bharat Mandapam. Special surveillance cameras have been installed, and senior officers are commanding the security at each hotel. Foreign security teams work in coordination with Indian agencies, with personnel deployed on every floor, the rooftops, and the ground levels of the hotels housing the most high-profile leaders. Even the hotel staff undergo rigorous verification. The lockdown extends beyond the hotels, with a 300-km radius around Delhi designated as a no-fly zone for unmanned aerial vehicles and microlight aircraft for 52 hours during the summit.
More Than Just a Room Key
For the hotels, the preparations go far beyond security. These establishments are tasked with delivering flawless hospitality that reflects Indian culture. This includes everything from curating special food menus to arranging elaborate cultural performances. For a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an ensemble of over 100 artists from India and other BRICS nations is set to perform. Hotels are making special arrangements for housekeeping, guest services, and managing the intricate movements of delegations within their properties. Every detail is meticulously planned to ensure a seamless experience for the visiting dignitaries.
The Economic Ripple Effect
The summit has created a massive economic surge for Delhi's hospitality sector. With thousands of rooms booked for delegates, officials, and international media, demand has skyrocketed. This has led to a sharp increase in room tariffs, with some luxury suites reportedly costing over ₹2 lakh per night. The demand is so high that many of Delhi's top-tier hotels showed no availability for the summit dates, forcing regular business and leisure travellers to look for alternatives in the wider NCR or alter their plans. According to industry experts, average room rates in September have jumped by over 25% year-on-year, driven significantly by the summit. This highlights a broader challenge for Delhi: while the city is increasingly hosting major global events, its supply of luxury hotel rooms has not kept pace with such concentrated demand.
