Security Overdrive for BRICS Summit
New Delhi: Delhi is caught in fever. As Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other global leaders arrive in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit 2026, the , along with SWAT teams, NSG commandos and personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and security of the VVIPs attending the summit.
The exercise gains greater importance as 25 years ago, on this day, al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial planes. While two were flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York, a third struck the Pentagon, and a fourth crashed near Shanksville. The attacks remain a defining moment in American history. A total of 2,977 people were killed in the incidents.
Moreover, in view of the prevailing global geopolitical situation, it is important to maintain strict security measures, even at the cost of inconveniencing the common man. With more global leaders scheduled to arrive today, the security agencies do not want to leave anything to chance.
Against this backdrop, the Delhi Police on Thursday conducted mock drills at Jama Masjid, the Supreme Court, Dhaula Kuan and IGI Airport Metro stations. The exercise was jointly conducted by the Delhi Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and other allied agencies.
According to sources, the exercise would give the agencies a clear picture of the preparedness of the security forces and their ability to respond to any emergency situation. The mock drill included simulated terrorist attacks, checks for unattended baggage, and testing of the emergency response system in the event of a terrorist attack.
While 200 CAPF personnel, 100 National Security Guard commandos, anti-drone systems, and other security measures have been deployed to protect the high-profile leaders, the Delhi Police has deployed around 15,000 personnel for law and order, traffic management, and other duties.
Officials told The Hans India that the scale of the security arrangements was comparable to those taken during the G20 Summit held in Delhi in 2023.