Delhi is on high alert as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives for a two-day India visit, prompting multi-layered security, traffic restrictions, and high-stakes discussions on defence, trade, and strategic cooperation.
A massive security operation is underway in national capital Delhi as Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India on December 4-5 for a two-day trip, officials confirmed on December 3. Delhi will be like a “high-security zone” during the summit as authorities bring the national capital under a “multi-layered security ring” to facilitate the meeting and any follow-on defence and trade negotiations with PM Narendra Modi.
Under unprecedented security
Sources from the Delhi Police and central agencies told media that the security will be on “an unprecedented scale” with joint teams from Delhi Police, central security agencies and Putin’s special protection detail monitoring his movement during his stay.
Elite Specialised units like SWAT, anti-terrorist and quick reaction forces (QRFs) will be deployed at key locations in and around the city. Drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring, technical-intelligence surveillance and real-time coordination will support the traditional security grid.
Over 50 Russian personnel (believed to be Putin’s advance security and protocol team) will arrive ahead of the visit to review the routes, venues and places of stay to coordinate security logistics on a micro-level.
Traffic and public advisories
Authorities have put together a comprehensive schedule of the President’s movements, but the exact place of his stay is being kept secret due to security reasons.
“Sanitisation” of every area on the movement map (including any possible layovers) is in the works and vehicular traffic, public movement and pedestrian traffic will be regulated and restricted.
Road diversions and no-go zones will be enforced for the public, especially in the vicinity of major venues. Officials say these will be announced in advance to limit inconvenience.
Visit comes with high stakes
This is Putin’s first visit to India after a long gap – and comes at a time when bilateral relations between the two countries are under heightened global focus. During the summit, the leaders are expected to discuss defence and trade agreements as well as wider energy and strategic partnership.
Given the international context and significance of the visit, authorities have promised “nothing is being left to chance.” “His every movement will be monitored every minute on a real-time basis,” a senior officer told media – highlighting the scale of the security.
As the city gears up for these unprecedented measures, Delhi is turning into a high-security citadel – even as the world watches the drama that is set to unfold behind the ramparts.
