India's national capital, Delhi, has been placed under an unprecedented security blanket as it prepares to host Russian President Vladimir Putin. The high-profile visit, part of the annual India-Russia summit, has triggered a massive, multi-layered security operation involving elite commandos, sharp-shooters, and extensive traffic restrictions.
Unprecedented Security Grid for VVIP Visit
Security agencies have left nothing to chance for the crucial diplomatic engagement. Elite SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams from the Delhi Police and National Security Guard (NSG) commandos have been strategically deployed across the city. Their primary focus is the route that President Putin's convoy will take from the airport to the city centre, as well as the venues for official meetings and the summit itself.
In a clear sign of the threat level, snipers have been positioned on high-rise buildings along the travel route and around the Hyderabad House, the key venue for bilateral talks between President Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The entire area surrounding Hyderabad House has been turned into a high-security fortress, with access heavily restricted.
Traffic Disruptions and Public Advisory
The elaborate security preparations are expected to cause significant disruptions to daily life in the capital. Authorities have issued advisories, warning commuters to expect major traffic delays and diversions on Tuesday. Key arteries, including parts of Central Delhi, are likely to be intermittently closed to facilitate the smooth and secure movement of the Russian President's motorcade.
The police have urged citizens to use the Delhi Metro to avoid getting stuck in long snarls. Detailed diversion plans have been charted out, and a large contingent of traffic personnel will be on the ground to manage the flow. The public has been advised to plan their travel in advance and cooperate with the security forces.
Diplomatic Significance of the Summit
This visit marks President Putin's first major diplomatic trip since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, underscoring the enduring strategic partnership between India and Russia. The summit is a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship, where the two leaders review the full spectrum of ties.
The agenda is packed with discussions on defence cooperation, trade, energy security, and geopolitical issues. Key outcomes are expected, particularly in areas like the procurement of military hardware, payment mechanisms amid sanctions, and collaboration in nuclear energy and space. The world will be closely watching the outcomes of this meeting, given the current global geopolitical landscape.
As Delhi braces for the high-stakes visit, the seamless coordination between various security and intelligence agencies highlights the importance India attaches to the event. The city's security apparatus is on its toes, ensuring that the talks between the two leaders proceed in a safe and productive environment.
