BRICS Summit: Spouses of Visiting Leaders Set to Explore Delhi Beyond Summit Venues
The spouses of leaders attending the BRICS Summit are expected to visit some of Delhi’s well known cultural, historical and shopping destinations during their stay in the Capital, according to officials familiar with the preparations.
One of the main attractions being considered is the Crafts Bazaar at Bharat Mandapam, where visitors can experience India’s traditional arts, handicrafts and handloom products. Officials said arrangements are also being made for visits to some of Delhi’s prominent markets and heritage locations.
The proposed programme may include lunch at The Lodhi hotel, a visit to the Prime Ministers Museum and a tour of the National Gallery of Modern Art. However, officials said the schedule is still being finalised and may change depending on the time available, security arrangements and the travel plans of the visiting leaders and their delegations.
The programme is intended to provide the guests with an opportunity to experience Delhi beyond the official BRICS venues and diplomatic events.
Officials said some of the Capital’s popular markets are also being considered. Based on arrangements made during previous international summits, such locations can form part of programmes organised for spouses accompanying visiting heads of state and government.
The places under consideration include Khan Market, Chandni Chowk and Janpath. Each location offers a different experience of Delhi, ranging from modern shopping areas to the busy streets of Old Delhi and the traditional handicraft and shopping outlets around Janpath.
Sources said the tentative itinerary also features several important cultural and historical sites, including Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid and the Red Fort.
However, officials clarified that the inclusion of a location on the proposed list does not guarantee that the spouses will visit every place. The final programme will depend on the available time and the security arrangements required during their movements.
With several VVIPs expected to be present in Delhi during the summit, their movements will need to be carefully coordinated with the broader security and traffic arrangements, officials said.
The Delhi Police has also increased security preparations in crowded parts of the city. Senior officers said personnel in plain clothes are being deployed, particularly around busy markets, allowing them to monitor the surroundings while remaining inconspicuous among visitors.
Officials said the objective is to provide adequate security without creating unnecessary attention around the movement of the VVIP guests in crowded public areas.
CCTV systems are also being monitored closely at markets and other locations that could form part of the itinerary. Existing surveillance networks are being incorporated into the wider security arrangements for the summit.