VOI World/ Abhishek Jha
As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, extensive arrangements are underway to manage the arrival and movement of leaders and delegations, security, media operations and official engagements. In this interview, Vasudev Ravi, OSD, Press Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, speaks to Abhishek Jha, Consulting Editor, Voice of India World, about the preparations and coordination involved in hosting the summit.
Abhishek Jha: What kind of preparations are being made for the BRICS Summit?
Mr Ravi: A large number of BRICS member and partner countries will be participating in the summit. Leaders and delegations from different countries will arrive in India, and their engagements will take place at various levels. Several business-related events and other official programmes are also being organised.
Abhishek Jha: What role does coordination play in these preparations?
Mr Ravi: Coordination is extremely important because India is holding the BRICS Presidency. Various working groups and coordinators are working together to ensure that all arrangements are carried out smoothly. This includes coordination between different ministries and agencies.
Abhishek Jha: How are security arrangements being handled for the summit?
Mr Ravi: Security is a major aspect of the preparations. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Delhi Police and other concerned agencies are coordinating closely. Arrangements are also being made at the airport for the arrival of different delegations, commercial flights carrying leaders and special aircraft. Their movement throughout the city is also being carefully coordinated.
Abhishek Jha: Are any special arrangements being made for delegations from Africa and other countries?
Mr Ravi: Yes. Special arrangements are being made for different delegations, depending on their requirements. Advisories are also being issued to ensure smooth movement and security during the summit.
Abhishek Jha: Will there be traffic restrictions in Delhi?
Mr Ravi: Delhi Police will issue detailed traffic advisories. These will explain which areas may have restrictions, what type of traffic movement will be affected, and how people should plan their travel. The Delhi Government has also announced that government offices in Central Delhi will remain closed on Friday to reduce inconvenience and facilitate smooth movement during the summit.
Abhishek Jha: What arrangements are being made for international media?
Mr Ravi: A significant number of international journalists are expected to attend. BRICS member countries, partner countries and other invited countries will have media representatives present. We anticipate a very large media presence, with approximately 50 percent Indian media and 50 percent foreign media.
Abhishek Jha: Will international media have adequate facilities at the summit venue?
Mr Ravi: Yes. Many foreign media organisations already have a presence in India, particularly in cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru, so we expect a large media contingent. An International Media Centre has been established at the Bharat Mandapam complex, where journalists will have facilities to work and report from the summit.
Abhishek Jha: How will journalists receive information in real time?
Mr Ravi: We are making efforts to ensure that media personnel have timely and easy access to information. Besides access at the summit venues, information will be communicated through regular official platforms.
Abhishek Jha: Will social media be used to share information about the summit?
Mr Ravi: Yes. Social media will be an important part of our communication strategy. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube will be used to share information and updates about the BRICS Presidency and its activities. The Ministry of External Affairs also has an active presence across several digital platforms.
Abhishek Jha: Is there an official BRICS website where people can get information?
Mr Ravi: Yes. The BRICS website is an important resource for information related to the Presidency. It provides information about meetings, events, programmes and other developments associated with BRICS.
Abhishek Jha: What lessons have been taken from India’s experience of hosting the G20 Summit?
Mr Ravi: The experience of hosting the G20 Summit provided valuable lessons, particularly in terms of media management, coordination, communication and the presentation of India to the world. We are building on that experience and making every effort to ensure that the BRICS Summit is conducted smoothly and successfully.
Abhishek Jha: Finally, what would you like to say about the overall preparations?
Mr Ravi: The preparations involve extensive coordination among various ministries, security agencies, the Delhi Police, airports, media organisations and other stakeholders. Our objective is to ensure that all leaders, delegations and journalists have a smooth experience and that the summit is conducted successfully.
