Central Delhi decorated, security beefed up ahead of BRICS summit

Security personnel stand vigil at the Bharat Mandapam ahead of the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 11, 2026 | Photo credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

Central Delhi turned into a fortress on Friday (September 11, 2026), a day ahead of the BRICS 2026 summit, with 15,000 police and 200 companies of paramilitary forces deployed to secure summit-attending dignitaries and their movement through the city. Parts of the national capital also received a decorative makeover with special lighting and floral arrangements at key locations.

BRICS 2026 Summit Update 11 September

Eleven heads of state and government are expected to attend the summit, which will be held at the Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13.

Exterior views of the Bharat Mandapam Convention Center in New Delhi. | Photo credit: Sushil Kumar Verma

Delhi Police has stepped up monitoring of social media platforms ahead of the event, with public posts being monitored for possible security threats and misinformation.

Security measures also include monitoring aerial activity and scanning the Yamuna. Shahdar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajendra Prasad Meena conducted a boat patrol before the summit. DCPs in areas with important historical monuments like Rajghat and Red Fort have also beefed up security in anticipation of unscheduled visits to these tourist destinations.

Traffic curbs

The Delhi Traffic Police has announced traffic diversions and restrictions in view of VIP and VVIP movement from 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Friday and advised commuters to plan their journeys and allow extra time. Restrictions have been imposed on more than 35 roads, with 22 diversion points set up for VIP and VVIP movements.

Traffic police have advised motorists heading to airports, railway stations and interstate bus terminals to prepare for extended travel times and use public transport wherever possible. According to traffic officials, the detours did not affect normal traffic and remained manageable.

Police also warned that undesignated commercial vehicles would be banned from entering Delhi and advised motorists not to park on roadsides within 200 meters of controlled roads.

Metro services will remain fully operational during the summit. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has announced that the services will start early on September 13. “Delhi Metro train services will start at 6 am on Sunday on all corridors to facilitate movement of students coming for exams and commuters during traffic restrictions for the BRICS summit,” DMRC posted on X.

The city is changing

New Delhi also got a makeover ahead of the summit. As part of its preparations, the New Delhi Municipal Council has illuminated 17 major roundabouts, 11 hotel premises and 10 New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) buildings.

Decorated roundabouts include Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Mandi House, Shantipath-Kautilya, Shantipath-Panchsheel, Shantipath-Satya Marg, RML, Teen Murti, Q-Point, Claridges Hotel, Samrat Hotel, Ashoka Hotel, Methi, Kalyan York Place Metro Station, Man PM Singh, Lok. Flower decoration was also done at these places.

Areas around important hotels in the NDMC area were also beautified with uplights, LED strings and other decorative lighting on trees. The trees along the roads around these hotels will also be illuminated.

Tibetan community protest

On Friday (September 11, 2026) morning, members of the Tibetan community protested against Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India, his first visit to the country in seven years. The protest, which was held under the banner of the Tibetan Youth Congress, took place in the Majnu Ka Tila area amid a heavy police presence. Later, the Delhi Police detained some students who were climbing poles in an underpass near Pragati Maidan and waving anti-Xi Jinping flags and the Tibetan national flag.

Parts of the national capital witnessed light rain on Friday, with more showers likely over the next two days when the BRICS summit is underway, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Published – 11 Sep 2026 22:14 IST