BRICS Summit vs Delhi Traffic: Global Diplomacy or Public Inconvenience?

Delhi is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit from September 11 to 13, bringing leaders and delegations from major emerging economies to the capital. The event is a significant diplomatic opportunity for India, with leaders including Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Masoud Pezeshkian expected to participate. But alongside the diplomatic spotlight, another story is dominating the streets: traffic restrictions and disruption to everyday life.

To ensure security, authorities have imposed restrictions across major routes, with more than 35 roads affected and 22 diversion points identified. A public holiday was also declared in Delhi on September 11, while schools and several government offices were closed to reduce movement. Around 25,000 security personnel have reportedly been deployed, along with NSG commandos and anti-drone systems.

There is a strong argument in favour of these measures. Hosting world leaders is a major security responsibility, and even a small lapse could have serious diplomatic consequences. India also gets an opportunity to demonstrate its organisational capacity and strengthen its position within the Global South. However, the other side cannot simply be ignored. Daily-wage workers, delivery riders, auto drivers, office workers and ordinary commuters do not have the luxury of working from home. Longer routes, diversions and congestion can directly affect their income and daily expenses. AP reported complaints from workers and commuters about difficult journeys and increased costs.

The real question, therefore, is not whether Delhi should provide security—it obviously must. The question is whether international diplomacy has to come at such a high cost for ordinary citizens. A global summit should showcase India's organisational strength, not expose weaknesses in urban planning. The government deserves credit for hosting a major international event, but it should also be judged on how effectively it protects the city's everyday life. If Delhi can prepare for world leaders, can it also prepare for the millions of citizens who keep the city running?