Xi Jinping’s India visit triggers massive security operation

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s brief visit to India has revealed an extraordinary level of security preparation in New Delhi, with thousands of personnel, surveillance cameras and specialist teams deployed to protect the Chinese leader during his first visit to the country in seven years.

Xi arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for a one-day visit to attend the BRICS summit. He stayed at the Taj Palace hotel, which was reportedly placed under a no-fly zone during his stay as Indian authorities moved to secure the area around the high-profile venue.

Security arrangements extended far beyond conventional police deployment. Counter-terrorism units and bomb-disposal teams were positioned at the hotel, while specialist teams conducted checks for potential nuclear, radiological and biological threats.

Authorities also inspected underground pipelines and other infrastructure surrounding the hotel as part of preparations for the Chinese president’s stay.

The security operation had reportedly been planned well in advance. China transported Xi’s official limousine, a backup vehicle and communications equipment to India by cargo aircraft around 10 days before his arrival.

The unusually detailed preparations reflected the importance attached to Xi’s visit and the need to protect the Chinese leader during a tightly scheduled diplomatic trip.

Xi travelled to India aboard a specially modified Boeing 747-8 aircraft. The presidential aircraft is equipped with secure communications systems and other protective technologies designed to allow the Chinese leader to remain connected with government and military command centres while travelling.

The aircraft is also reported to feature threat-detection equipment, missile-defence protection and safeguards against electromagnetic interference, giving Xi access to secure communications during overseas travel.

Security measures were expanded across the wider capital because of the BRICS summit. According to Indian media reports, more than 15,000 police personnel and around 200 companies of paramilitary forces were deployed across New Delhi.

Authorities established barricades at several locations, while vehicles were stopped and searched as part of efforts to prevent potential security threats around key routes and summit venues.

The route between the airport and Shanti Path, which Xi used during his visit, was reportedly covered by more than 700 surveillance cameras. Five control rooms were also established to monitor security operations and coordinate responses.

Xi’s stay in India lasted roughly 24 hours before he departed the following morning at around 11am.

The scale of the arrangements offered a glimpse into the extensive planning involved in protecting a visiting head of state. From securing the skies above his hotel to inspecting underground infrastructure and deploying hundreds of cameras, Indian authorities adopted multiple layers of security during the Chinese president’s short but closely watched visit.