New Delhi: The Red Fort is currently hosting the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from December 8 to 13, 2025. This event, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Akademi, marks the first time India has hosted this UNESCO session. It brings together over 1,000 delegates from more than 150 countries.

The UNESCO meeting is proceeding under heightened security measures implemented following a car blast that occurred on November 10 near the Red Fort. The blast resulted in 15 fatalities and injured over two dozen individuals.

Security personnel from the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces are maintaining a vigilant presence around the perimeter and within the Red Fort complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delegates and accredited media entering the complex from the Chandni Chowk side navigate a series of security barricades before reaching the Lahori Gate. Armed CISF personnel guard the entry to the fort complex from the Delhi Gate side.

In response to the blast, security measures in the Red Fort area have been significantly increased. The number of CCTV cameras in the area has risen from 120 to 630, incorporating features such as integrated data systems for stolen vehicles and automated number plate detection. Facial recognition systems are also in use. The Red Fort police post has nearly doubled its deployment from 17 to 35 officers.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has jurisdiction over the 17th-century fort complex, closed the Red Fort to the general public from December 5 in preparation for the UNESCO event. An ASI official confirmed that the fort will remain closed until December 14.

India has proposed the festival of Diwali for inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. India's nomination will be examined for inscription on the list at the session. India currently has 16 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has expressed confidence in a positive outcome for the Diwali nomination. The session will also review the status of existing elements and provide international assistance for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's commitment to preserving heritage and lauded UNESCO for its role in protecting intangible heritage. He also acknowledged the recognition of Hyderabad and Lucknow as UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy.

Despite the heightened security measures, the UNESCO meeting signifies India's commitment to cultural diplomacy and showcasing its soft power. The culture ministry intends to keep the cultural exhibits and galleries open for public viewing in the weeks leading up to Republic Day on January 26.