In an unprecedented move signaling the high-stakes nature of the event, India is set to deploy around 130,000 security personnel to ensure the smooth running of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. The force will include 80,000 members of the Delhi Police, according to Deepender Pathak, Special Commissioner of Delhi Police responsible for the city’s security arrangements. Scheduled to kick off on the 9th of September and last for two days, the summit is described as “a moment of historic importance.”
Authorities will also enlist thousands from other governmental security agencies, including the National Guard and paramilitary border security forces, to maintain law and order. Strict security measures will be implemented at the entry points of New Delhi, effectively regulating entry into the city during the summit.
An Indian Air Force spokesperson, citing Reuters, stated that comprehensive air defense measures will be undertaken in Delhi and its surrounding areas. The military, including the air force, Delhi Police, and paramilitary units, will employ anti-drone defense systems to counter any aerial threats. Additionally, the government has leased 20 bulletproof limousines at a cost of 180 million rupees for transporting leaders and delegates during the summit.
Furthermore, the government will partially shut down the city of approximately 20 million residents. Schools, government offices, and businesses have been instructed to close for three days.
Among the attendees are some of the most significant figures India has ever hosted, including U.S. President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Other expected leaders hail from Japan, Australia, France, and Germany. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Russia instead of President Vladimir Putin. However, the attendance of Chinese President Xi Jinping seems unlikely, according to sources in New Delhi and Beijing.
India hosting the G20 Summit is considered a diplomatic coup, as the country has been seeking to play a more active role in international politics. The massive security deployment underscores the importance India is attaching to the summit and comes against the backdrop of various global challenges such as climate change, economic disparities, and geopolitical tensions.
The presence of international leaders, especially from the G7 countries, will likely give India an opportunity to strengthen its foreign relations. However, the summit is not without controversy. The absence or low-level representation from key countries like Russia and China highlights ongoing geopolitical complexities.
The city-wide shutdown is a remarkable step, affecting millions of residents and attracting attention to the challenges of hosting such a high-profile international event. It will be interesting to see how India leverages this event to bolster its global standing.
