A Fortress in the Capital
Delhi is being wrapped in an unprecedented security blanket for the summit, with arrangements comparable to those for the G20 Summit in 2023. An estimated 15,000 Delhi Police personnel, alongside 200 companies of paramilitary forces, have been deployed
across the city. This multi-layered grid involves securing the main venue at Bharat Mandapam, the hotels housing world leaders, and all designated travel routes. More than 100 National Security Guard (NSG) commandos and advanced anti-drone systems are part of the detailed security plan. To keep a constant watch, over 500 new CCTV cameras, including some with facial recognition and 4K resolution, have been installed in the New Delhi district, feeding into dedicated control rooms. Officials have stressed that the plan aims for maximum security for visiting dignitaries while causing minimum inconvenience to the public, with extensive coordination between multiple national agencies.
The Great Hotel Rush
The city's hospitality sector is experiencing a massive surge in demand, leading to a severe room crunch and skyrocketing prices. Many of Delhi's premier luxury hotels are completely sold out for the summit dates. For the few rooms that remain, tariffs have reached staggering heights. Reports indicate that top properties like the ITC Maurya and The Leela Palace have listed rooms for over ₹2 lakh per night, with some rates touching ₹2.5 lakh before taxes. These prices, which are dramatically higher than the usual ₹18,000 to ₹20,000 per night, reflect the immense demand from official delegations, international media, security teams, and business representatives. The economic ripple effect is being felt across Delhi-NCR, with hotels in Aerocity, Gurugram, and Noida also reporting a significant increase in occupancy and rates. According to industry experts, this event-led demand is expected to keep the hospitality market buzzing until well after the summit concludes.
IGI Airport on High Alert
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is at the forefront of the logistical challenge, preparing to welcome a significant influx of international flights and dignitaries. Airport operator DIAL has announced several measures to ensure smooth operations. A key development is the operationalisation of the new Pier C at Terminal 3, a move that increases the airport's international passenger handling capacity by 50 percent to 31 million passengers per year. This expansion provides crucial flexibility for managing the 40 to 50 additional flights expected to arrive with delegations. To expedite the process for attendees, dedicated immigration counters have been established for BRICS participants. Behind the scenes, a massive coordination effort is underway with security agencies and air traffic control to choreograph the arrival of special aircraft, manage parking, and ensure secure and efficient movement of world leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping.
An Economic and Reputational Showcase
Beyond the immediate security and logistical measures, hosting the BRICS summit is a significant economic event for Delhi. The surge in hotel bookings is just one part of the story. The influx of thousands of delegates, officials, and media personnel creates a ripple effect, boosting business for transport providers, restaurants, and local vendors. The summit is being viewed as a real-time example of how major global events can stimulate a host city's economy. The extended stays noted by some travel platforms suggest that many visitors are using the opportunity to spend additional time and money in the region. For India, this is more than just a two-day conference. It is a demonstration of the country's capacity to host one of the world's most significant diplomatic gatherings, reinforcing Delhi's position as a major hub for international diplomacy and business.
