India: Authorities bolstering security in the National Capital Region for G20 summit in Delhi, Sept. 9-10

Event

Officials are imposing extremely tight security in and around New Delhi ahead of the G20 Summit meeting, Sept. 9-10. Heads of state from various countries are scheduled to attend the main event Sept. 9-10 at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre; US President Joe Biden will start his official visit to Delhi from Sept. 7. Guests will also reportedly visit the National Gallery for Modern Art and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Delhi. Officials will deploy military, paramilitary, and police forces to guard the event. Heightened security measures and traffic restrictions will affect event venues, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), and hotels and routes used by delegates. Foreign delegations will also stay in hotels in Gurugram and Noida, and may use regional airports in Indore and Jaipur. While Sept. 7 is a holiday for the Hindu festival of Krishna Janmashtami, authorities have declared Sept. 8-10 as additional holidays in the New Delhi District. Commercial establishments, public and private workplaces, banks, and educational institutions will close; offices and schools may be permitted to utilize telecommuting measures during the extra holidays.

Traffic restrictions like road closures, traffic diversions, and re-routing of public buses will most significantly affect C-Hexagon, Salimgarh Bypass, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bhairon, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Patel Marg, as well as Gurgaon and Mathura roads. Authorities also typically ban the movement of heavy vehicles into and within New Delhi, except for those carrying essential items, to ease congestion during major events. Public buses and Metro trains - mainly those serving event areas - may face disruptions due to curtailment, re-routing, and/or temporary station closures.

Known terror groups, mainly Islamist and separatist groups, are active in India. Although authorities have not publicized any specific threat to the event, officials have announced intensive counter-terror measures, including drills and patrols in sensitive locations. Officials are also imposing enhanced security measures, such as vehicular and pedestrian checks at key sites like major roadways, government buildings, security installations, and crowded public places across the region through Sept. 10. Intensive security measures and heightened demand are certain in over 20 hotels in Delhi such as Ashoka, Imperial, ITC Maurya, Lalit, Leela Palace, Meridian, Shangri-La, and Taj Palace, as well as Gurugram's Oberoi Hotel and Noida's ITDC Grand Bharat Hotel, which will host dignitaries.

Although unlikely, protests over domestic, and foreign policy and international issues like climate change are possible in the lead-up to and during the summit. Security forces will likely prevent or quickly disperse any demonstrations that materialize. Minor skirmishes cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid event venues as a security precaution if not attending. Limit exposure to rally sites and potential militant targets. Allow additional time for transport, including to and from DEL Sept. 7-10. Present proper identification documents and remain cooperative if stopped by officials for checks. Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. If any violence erupts nearby, immediately leave the area and seek shelter at a safe nongovernment building. Confirm all business appointments and transport reservations. Heed all transport and security advisories.