The national capital has been transformed into a digital fortress as the India AI Impact Summit 2026 takes centre stage at Bharat Mandapam. With a global audience comprising world leaders, tech titans, and delegates from 45 nations, the Delhi Police have implemented a security apparatus that rivals the scale of the 2023 G20 Summit.
Between 16 and 20 February, the city is under the watchful eye of a multi layered surveillance network designed to ensure that the high profile proceedings remain unhindered by any form of disruption.
Advanced surveillance and digital policing
At the heart of this massive operation is a network of more than 4,000 AI enabled cameras distributed across the city. These are not merely recording devices but active tools equipped with Facial Recognition System technology. For over a month, surveillance teams have been compiling data on known agitators and individuals with a history of causing public disorder.
These profiles have been integrated into the digital network, allowing for instantaneous alerts the moment a flagged individual enters a restricted or sensitive zone. The venue itself, Bharat Mandapam, is further bolstered by 500 dedicated CCTV units, creating a environment where every movement is monitored in real time.
Ground deployment and strategic zoning
The physical presence on the ground is equally formidable, with over 15,000 security personnel drawn from a variety of elite forces. This includes the Delhi Police Special Cell, the National Security Guard, and various paramilitary units such as the CISF, BSF, and ITBP. To manage this vast force effectively, the authorities have partitioned the Bharat Mandapam area into 10 distinct security zones.
Each segment is under the direct command of a Deputy Commissioner of Police. Supporting these officers are specialized units including SWAT commandos, bomb disposal teams, and highly trained dog squads, all maintained on a state of high alert to respond to any contingency.
Aerial protection and technological innovation
Security for the summit extends well beyond the ground level. To counter modern threats, the police have deployed six anti drone systems alongside four air defence guns specifically positioned at the venue. Officers on patrol have been issued with AI enabled smart glasses that feature thermal imaging capabilities, allowing them to spot suspicious heat signatures or identify individuals in dense crowds where visibility might otherwise be poor.
A senior officer explained the necessity of such measures, stating, "We are ensuring that no anti-national element tries to disrupt law and order, especially when high-profile dignitaries are visiting the national capital. Not even graffiti or posters should be able to disturb peace."
Securing the hospitality and tourism sectors
The security net has been cast wide to include the places where international guests reside and visit. Over a dozen five star hotels in central Delhi are now under 24 hour police watch, each housing a dedicated command room that stays in constant contact with local police stations. Coordination is also active with police forces in Gurgaon and Noida to track the transit of delegates across state borders.
Furthermore, historical landmarks like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar have seen a surge in protection as they remain high on the itinerary for visiting dignitaries. To streamline access, the authorities have introduced QR code based entry passes and a sophisticated Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence system to oversee all logistics.
