Preparations for the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi are underway on a massive scale, with the national capital gearing up to host world leaders and heads of state from participating nations. Accompanying these global dignitaries are their spouses, for whom organizers are curating a dedicated cultural and shopping itinerary. The objective behind this effort extends beyond formal diplomatic protocol and summit hall sessions. Officials are designing an experience that allows visiting guests to encounter the authentic cultural fabric and living heritage of New Delhi. A central highlight of this proposed diplomatic itinerary is the Crafts Bazaar at Bharat Mandapam, designed to offer an immersive showcase of Indian handloom and traditional arts. Furthermore, guided excursions to iconic historical markets such as Chandni Chowk, Khan Market, and Janpath are currently being integrated into the schedule, bringing Delhi's urban legacy into the broader narrative of global diplomacy.
The Crafts Bazaar at Bharat Mandapam: A Central Cultural Showcase
The Crafts Bazaar set up within the Bharat Mandapam complex stands out as one of the most prominent features of the tentative schedule for the spouses of visiting leaders. This curated exhibition space brings together traditional artwork, handloom textiles, and indigenous handicrafts gathered from diverse states across India. For international delegates, it represents a single, unified destination to experience India's vast regional diversity and artistic traditions. Stepping away from the formal atmosphere of official bilateral talks, guests will have the opportunity to interact with living traditions and observe the fine skill of Indian artisans. The focus on handloom and regional crafts serves to highlight India's historical manufacturing techniques and sustainable artisan ecosystems, making the Crafts Bazaar a centerpiece of the hospitality program.
From Historic Chandni Chowk to Modern Khan Market
In addition to organized art venues, several of Delhi's most celebrated commercial hubs are being evaluated for inclusion in the delegates' itinerary. The prospective list highlights three distinct market spaces: Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, Khan Market near Lutyens' Delhi, and Janpath in central New Delhi. Each location presents a unique facet of the capital's socio-cultural landscape. Chandni Chowk reflects the historic architecture of the Mughal era, narrow heritage lanes, traditional trading houses, and famous culinary traditions. Conversely, Khan Market offers a view of contemporary urban consumer lifestyle, featuring high-end boutiques and modern retail spaces in proximity to diplomatic quarters. Janpath bridges these experiences with its array of traditional Indian handicrafts, street side artisan stalls, and souvenir markets. The combination aims to offer foreign dignitaries a balanced perspective on Delhi's historical roots and contemporary development.
Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and National Gallery of Modern Art on Tentative Schedule
Beyond commercial streets, key political and artistic institutions have been factored into the provisional itinerary. Officials indicate that visits are being planned for the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya (Prime Ministers' Museum) and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA). The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya offers visitors an in-depth view into India's democratic history, post-independence governance, and the leadership journey of its prime ministers. Meanwhile, the National Gallery of Modern Art presents extensive collections of modern and contemporary Indian visual art, sculptures, and historic paintings. Additionally, a curated dining experience is being arranged at The Lodhi hotel. Administrative sources emphasize that all scheduled locations remain provisional and are subject to adjustments depending on time management, VVIP movement requirements, and security evaluations.
Heritage Landmarks and Multi-Tiered Security Protocols
Given Delhi's rich historical landscape, national monuments including Rajghat, the historic Jama Masjid, and the Red Fort have also been placed on the potential visit list. These landmarks represent crucial historical chapters, architectural grandiosity, and the pluralistic heritage of the capital. However, officials have clarified that inclusion on the preliminary list does not guarantee an executed visit. Final determinations will depend strictly on time constraints during the summit schedule and the real-time security clearances issued by state security agencies.
Managing movement across high-density public markets for the spouses of international heads of state presents a complex logistical and security challenge. With multiple VVIP delegations present in New Delhi simultaneously, all local movements must be closely coordinated with overarching traffic and security protocols. Delhi Police personnel have intensified security arrangements around the prospective market areas. Plainclothes police officers are being deployed throughout key commercial zones to maintain continuous surveillance within crowds without disrupting normal commercial activity. Furthermore, high-definition CCTV monitoring network feeds are being analyzed continuously to oversee transit routes and public spaces.
Cultural Diplomacy and Elevating the Delhi Experience
The strategic intent behind this curated itinerary reaches beyond conventional sightseeing, serving as an effective exercise in soft power and cultural diplomacy. During major international assemblies like the BRICS Summit, global attention centers on the host nation. Presenting India's living heritage, artisanal expertise, and historical depth directly to global figures allows the host city to project its distinct identity. Should the itinerary proceed as provisionally mapped, visiting spouses will transition from examining fine handlooms at Bharat Mandapam to walking through the historical lanes of Chandni Chowk and the contemporary avenues of Khan Market. While final schedules will ultimately be governed by security parameters and time limitations, the initiative aims to ensure that Delhi acts not merely as a venue for official proceedings, but as an engaging cultural destination.
