New Delhi is under tight security control ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Security forces are present in all of the Games venues, luxury hotels and metro train stations in a bid to ensure the safety of thousands of international athletes making their way to India for the Commonwealth Games.
India is using a mix of over 100,000 security personnel, ranging from snipers to commandos and police to try and make the October 3 to 14 Games go off without incident.
The India Express daily reported that as well as the on-the-ground security presence, MiG fighter jets and helicopters would be ready at all times during the games, and mi-35 attack helicopters would be in the air during the closing and opening ceremonies. On top of this, anti-aircraft guns and mobile surface-to-air missiles are on standby in case of any militant attack.
India had hoped to rally a China-like performance in hosting the Commonwealth games, proving to the world it is a growing power to be reckoned with. While China’s hosting of the Olympics worked unquestioningly in its favor, India has run into some hurdles.
The estimated $6 billion poured into the Games and surrounding infrastructure has not stopped international questions around the hygiene of the Games village, the collapse of a Games footbridge or the outbreak of a dengue fever epidemic.
Relations between Pakistan and India will be closely watched, but in a positive sign, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister has been invited to the Games.
