Putin, Xi Jinping India visit: Who plans their route, stay and security?

Delhi is hosting the BRICS Summit 2026, with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other foreign leaders set to arrive in India. During such visits, roads are closed or regulated, special convoy routes are planned and hotels or official residences are placed under multiple layers of security. But who actually decides where these leaders travel, which route their convoy takes and where they stay?

Is it their own security team, Delhi Police or the Indian government? The answer lies in the Ministry of External Affairs’ protocol system, where several government agencies work together to manage every part of a high-profile foreign visit.WHICH MEA TEAM HANDLES FOREIGN LEADERS’ VISITS?

The MEA has a dedicated Protocol Division, which is divided into different sections. Among them, the Protocol-1 section plays a key role in arranging visits by foreign heads of state, heads of government, vice-presidents or equivalent dignitaries, and foreign ministers.

So, when Putin or Xi Jinping visits India, this is the section that takes the lead in coordinating the official arrangements, including their reception and departure. Protocol-1 functions under the Deputy Chief of Protocol (Ceremonies), who reports to the Chief of Protocol.

The route is not selected merely on the basis of regular traffic conditions. Security requirements, traffic control and the visit’s schedule are considered together.

The MEA’s protocol arrangements are coordinated with police officials and other security agencies. This means the convoy route is not decided by the MEA or Delhi Police alone. Multiple agencies work together to plan traffic restrictions, security cordons and other arrangements needed along the route.

The protocol handbook does not state that one particular officer independently decides which road Putin or Xi Jinping will use. Instead, it lays down responsibilities for coordinating travel, security and traffic arrangements.WHO DECIDES WHERE THEY STAY?

Accommodation is also part of the larger visit protocol. However, the handbook does not say that one officer personally chooses a hotel for every foreign leader.

The Protocol-1 section handles the overall visit arrangements, while the Protocol Division has separate systems related to foreign missions, accommodation and government hospitality. Details such as the purpose of the visit, duration of stay and place of accommodation are shared through the protocol channel in advance.

Therefore, the final choice of accommodation is part of a coordinated plan that considers the itinerary, security needs, distance from event venues and other logistical requirements.HOW IS THEIR SECURITY MANAGED?

Foreign leaders usually arrive with their own security teams, but their movement in India is coordinated with Indian security agencies and follows Indian rules.

The MEA’s protocol officials coordinate security arrangements with relevant authorities, police and other agencies. The Diplomatic Security Force (DSF) also handles security-related responsibilities around foreign diplomatic missions and diplomatic premises in New Delhi.

For foreign security personnel carrying weapons, prior permission from Indian authorities is required. In short, a visiting leader may have a personal security team, but the visit operates within India’s own protocol and security framework.- EndsPublished By: vaishnavi parasharPublished On: Sep 12, 2026 12:24 IST