Delhi Braces for BRICS Summit with Security Zones and Traffic Curbs
Delhi imposes sweeping security and traffic restrictions ahead of the BRICS summit, disrupting daily life for millions of residents.
New Delhi has been transformed into a patchwork of security zones and barricaded roads as the capital prepares to host a summit of the BRICS grouping this weekend. Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed on Friday, with checkpoints and traffic curbs in place across major arteries a day before the gathering begins on Saturday.
City authorities declared a public holiday to reduce movement, shutting government offices, schools and many private businesses. Some schools had already closed on Thursday. Officials said the measures were needed to ensure the smooth running of the multilateral event and urged residents to work from home, plan journeys in advance and follow traffic advisories.
Yet for millions of Delhi residents, the restrictions brought familiar disruption. Office workers, delivery drivers and daily wage earners reported difficulties reaching work as routes were diverted and traffic rules changed. Taxi fares rose in some areas as drivers took longer detours, and residents complained of confusion over shifting restrictions. Some posted images of barricaded roads on social media, seeking advice on how to get around.
Neeraj Kumar, an autorickshaw driver of 35 years, said the curbs were hitting poorer residents hardest. "If a one-kilometer journey turns into an eight-kilometer detour, what are we supposed to do?" he asked, adding that authorities should ensure security for foreign delegates does not come at the expense of residents. Mohammed Eliyas, a young delivery driver, said many workers would lose several days of earnings. "Even if we reach work, we will get stuck in traffic. We won't be able to work," he said.
The summit will draw leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. BRICS, originally an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has expanded to 11 major emerging markets and developing countries that together represent about half the world's population and a significant share of global energy, resources and economic output. The group has sought a larger role in a global order long dominated by the United States and its Western allies, gaining support in parts of the Global South where countries have criticized Western-led financial institutions.
Similar security measures were imposed in 2023, when New Delhi hosted the G20 summit. For a capital already notorious for chronic congestion, where millions of vehicles compete for road space each day, the latest restrictions have once again tested the patience of residents proud to host world leaders but weary of the logistical fallout.