Around 30 Tibetan nationals were detained in Delhi while protesting against Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit for the 18th BRICS Summit, according to reports including live updates from The Indian Express.
The protesters, largely members of the Tibetan Youth Congress, staged demonstrations near Bharat Mandapam, the main venue of the summit in the Pragati Maidan area. They raised slogans demanding freedom for Tibet and opposed Xi’s participation in the high-level gathering and related events.
Police sources indicated that the demonstrators were detained as they attempted to march toward the venue or gather in the high-security zone. Security across New Delhi had been significantly heightened for the two-day summit, which brought together leaders from BRICS nations, including Xi Jinping on his first visit to India since 2019.
The detentions followed earlier actions by pro-Tibet groups. In the days leading up to the summit, activists from Students for a Free Tibet were also detained near Pragati Maidan after unfurling Tibetan flags and banners with slogans critical of Chinese policies in Tibet.
Protests by the Tibetan community in exile have been a recurring feature during Chinese leaders’ visits to India. Demonstrators typically highlight concerns over human rights, cultural and religious freedoms, and political status in Tibet. On this occasion, some also referenced broader issues related to China’s policies and called on BRICS leaders to address them.
Delhi Police maintained tight control to prevent any disruption to the summit proceedings. The BRICS Summit itself focused on issues such as global governance, trade, development, and multilateral cooperation, with the New Delhi Declaration adopted by the leaders.
The situation underscores the sensitive balance India maintains while hosting international events involving China, given the presence of a significant Tibetan exile community in the country and ongoing bilateral complexities.
