New Delhi is taking on a festive and diplomatic look as the capital prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam this weekend. Major roads, public spaces and prominent buildings have been illuminated and decorated ahead of the arrival of world leaders and senior representatives from BRICS member and partner countries.
India is hosting the summit under its 2026 BRICS chairship, with the official theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Bharat Mandapam Gets Grand Makeover
The summit venue at Bharat Mandapam has been illuminated as preparations enter their final stage. BRICS-themed displays, posters and lighting installations have been placed at prominent locations across the capital.
The New Delhi Municipal Council has also undertaken extensive beautification and sanitation work along important roads, markets, hotel areas and routes expected to be used by visiting dignitaries.
Delhi Roads Decked Up
Several key stretches of Delhi have been given a new look ahead of the summit. According to preparations outlined by NDMC officials, 41 major roads have been decorated with signage, LED branding and other installations.
Decorative lighting has also been arranged at major roundabouts, hotels and NDMC buildings and sites as part of the city's preparations to welcome international delegates.
World Leaders Set to Arrive
The summit will bring together heads of state and government, partner-country representatives and senior officials from international organisations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the high-level gathering, which comes at a significant time for global diplomacy, with conflicts, economic uncertainty, energy security and supply-chain concerns expected to feature prominently in discussions.
The participation of major BRICS leaders is expected to give the New Delhi summit considerable geopolitical importance.
Security Tightened Across Capital
Alongside beautification, Delhi has mounted an extensive security operation for the summit.
Multiple layers of security have been established around Bharat Mandapam, visiting leaders' hotels and important routes. Police and security agencies have also conducted rehearsals and mock drills ahead of the arrival of foreign dignitaries.
Authorities have also deployed surveillance and anti-drone measures as part of preparations for the high-profile event.
Traffic Restrictions Expected
The movement of VVIP convoys is expected to affect traffic in several parts of central and south Delhi during the summit.
Authorities have prepared diversion plans and identified multiple points where traffic may be redirected. Central Delhi, routes connecting the airport and areas around Bharat Mandapam are expected to experience restrictions during periods of high-level movement.
Residents and commuters have been advised to plan journeys accordingly.
BRICS Summit on September 12-13
The main BRICS Leaders' Summit is scheduled for September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam. India is using its chairship to place resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability at the centre of the grouping's agenda.
The event will provide India with an important platform to engage with emerging economies and partner countries on global economic and strategic challenges.
Delhi Ready for Global Spotlight
With Bharat Mandapam illuminated and major parts of the capital decorated, Delhi is now ready to welcome the BRICS delegations.
The extensive civic, security and traffic preparations underline the scale of the summit and India's effort to present New Delhi as a capable host for a major international gathering. As leaders arrive, attention will now shift from preparations on the streets to the diplomatic discussions inside Bharat Mandapam.
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