New Delhi – The Red Fort is under high security as India hosts the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of UNESCO from December 8 to 13. This event marks the first time India has hosted the UNESCO meet. The high-profile meeting brings together delegates, culture experts, policymakers, and representatives from numerous countries to discuss and protect living cultural traditions from around the world.
The event is being held against the backdrop of a recent blast near the monument on November 10, 2025, which resulted in 15 fatalities and several injuries. In response, security measures have been significantly enhanced in and around the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Multiple layers of security, including Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, have been deployed to guard the perimeter and inner areas of the fort.
Delegates and accredited media members entering from the Chandni Chowk side are navigating through a series of barricades before reaching the heavily guarded Lahori Gate, which provides access to the venue. A police officer noted the heightened security measures implemented day and night due to the international significance of the event and the location's proximity to the blast site.
Access to the Red Fort complex is restricted to UNESCO-accredited delegates and media personnel with designated badges. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which oversees the site, has closed the monument to the general public from December 5 to December 14. While an armed CISF contingent secures the entry from the Delhi Gate side, Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel maintain vigilance inside the complex. After nightfall, police patrols are conducted along the street surrounding the fort, from Lahori Gate to Delhi Gate.
The session will assess nominations for inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, review the status of previously inscribed elements, and consider international assistance for safeguarding vulnerable cultural practices. India currently has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO's ICH Representative List. A key highlight is India's formal proposal to include Diwali on the list, seeking global recognition for the festival’s cultural, spiritual, and social significance.
The Red Fort complex features themed galleries, state-led cultural stalls, and daily performances to showcase India's civilisational heritage. The Culture Ministry intends to keep these installations open to the public for a month, extending the experience until the Republic Day celebrations. The event underscores India's commitment to heritage preservation, cultural diversity, and international collaboration.
