India goes into red alert ahead of Putin’s visit
India has placed its security apparatus on maximum alert ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day state visit to New Delhi beginning December 4, as authorities coordinate one of the capital’s most extensive protection operations in recent years.
Putin’s visit comes at a sensitive geopolitical moment, with Russia seeking to deepen ties in Asia amid Western pressure over the war in Ukraine, and India balancing its long-standing strategic partnership with Moscow against concerns in the US and Europe.
Security officials say this context has strengthened the need for heightened vigilance.
Although the broad outline of Putin’s program has been finalized, Indian authorities have withheld details of his accommodation and precise movement routes due to strict security protocols. Officials say only a small circle within the government has access to the full plan.
Delhi Police have deployed top-ranking officers to supervise the operation, covering traffic control, movement restrictions, and the sanitization of areas that Putin may pass through. Entire stretches of roads, government districts, and diplomatic zones are expected to undergo multiple security sweeps.
The capital will also introduce temporary traffic diversions, restricted zones and pedestrian controls around high-security areas. Officials said advisories will be issued in advance to minimize disruptions for residents, although delays and detours are still expected.
More than 50 members of Russia’s advance security and protocol teams are arriving ahead of the visit. They will inspect all proposed routes, potential stopover points, and venues earmarked for bilateral talks and ceremonial engagements.
Indian officials say the Russian side is conducting “exceptionally detailed” checks.
During the visit, Delhi will come under a multi-layered security ring involving Delhi Police, central intelligence agencies and Putin’s elite personal security detail. The deployment includes SWAT teams, anti-terror units, bomb disposal squads and quick-reaction teams stationed across strategic points in the city.
In addition, authorities will employ extensive surveillance measures, including drone monitoring, expanded CCTV coverage and advanced technical intelligence systems to detect potential threats. Special airspace restrictions are also likely to be implemented while the Russian president is in the capital.
Security officials say the scale of preparations reflects both protocol and caution. “This is a high-stakes visit, and nothing is being left to chance,” a police officer said. “The city will effectively be under a security lockdown as long as President Putin is here.”
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
