4th BRICS summit: Difference between revisions
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On March 26, a Tibetan-Indian activist named Jamphel Yeshi [[Self-immolations in India|set himself on fire]] at a rally in Delhi and subsequently died of his burns two days later. Yeshi was given a "martyr's funeral" by several Tibetan exile organizations;<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/HimachalPradesh/Martyr-s-funeral-for-Tibetan-protester/Article1-832780.aspx|title=Martyr’s funeral for Tibetan protester|first=Naresh|last=Kumar|location=Dharamsala|work=Hindustan Times |date=March 30, 2012|accessdate=March 30, 2012}}</ref> a rally was held in [[Dharamshala]] in his memory.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/321390/20120329/brics-summit-tibetan-anti-china-protesters-clash.htm | title=BRICS Summit 2012: Tibetan Anti-China Protesters Clash With Police | publisher=International Business Times | date=March 29, 2012 | accessdate=March 30, 2012 | author=VN Sreeja}}</ref> On March 28, protesters attempted to storm into the hotel where Hu was staying, prompting an increase in security for the officials. Around ten Tibetan activists unfurled a [[Tibetan flag]] near the hotel, and attempted to march towards the summit venue but were detained by the police.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=757740 | title=Protesters Unfurl Tibetan Flag Near BRICS Summit Venue | publisher=Outlook India | work=Press Trust of India | date=March 29, 2012 | accessdate=March 29, 2012}}</ref> Protesters were also present at the United Nations office where the [[Tibetan Youth Congress]] submitted memorandums to the embassies of the participating states. Similar protests were also held at [[Khan Market]] and the [[Jantar Mantar (Delhi)|Jantar Mantar]], prompting a heavy police presence in such areas.<ref name="p1"/> Police camps were set up in certain colonies of Tibetan refugees in Delhi.<ref name="bjp">{{cite web | url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=757771 | title=BJP Terms Arrest of Tibetans As Shame for Democracy | publisher=Outlook India | work=Press Trust of India | date=March 29, 2012 | accessdate=March 30, 2012}}</ref> |
On March 26, a Tibetan-Indian activist named Jamphel Yeshi [[Self-immolations in India|set himself on fire]] at a rally in Delhi and subsequently died of his burns two days later. Yeshi was given a "martyr's funeral" by several Tibetan exile organizations;<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/HimachalPradesh/Martyr-s-funeral-for-Tibetan-protester/Article1-832780.aspx|title=Martyr’s funeral for Tibetan protester|first=Naresh|last=Kumar|location=Dharamsala|work=Hindustan Times |date=March 30, 2012|accessdate=March 30, 2012}}</ref> a rally was held in [[Dharamshala]] in his memory.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/321390/20120329/brics-summit-tibetan-anti-china-protesters-clash.htm | title=BRICS Summit 2012: Tibetan Anti-China Protesters Clash With Police | publisher=International Business Times | date=March 29, 2012 | accessdate=March 30, 2012 | author=VN Sreeja}}</ref> On March 28, protesters attempted to storm into the hotel where Hu was staying, prompting an increase in security for the officials. Around ten Tibetan activists unfurled a [[Tibetan flag]] near the hotel, and attempted to march towards the summit venue but were detained by the police.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=757740 | title=Protesters Unfurl Tibetan Flag Near BRICS Summit Venue | publisher=Outlook India | work=Press Trust of India | date=March 29, 2012 | accessdate=March 29, 2012}}</ref> Protesters were also present at the United Nations office where the [[Tibetan Youth Congress]] submitted memorandums to the embassies of the participating states. Similar protests were also held at [[Khan Market]] and the [[Jantar Mantar (Delhi)|Jantar Mantar]], prompting a heavy police presence in such areas.<ref name="p1"/> Police camps were set up in certain colonies of Tibetan refugees in Delhi.<ref name="bjp">{{cite web | url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=757771 | title=BJP Terms Arrest of Tibetans As Shame for Democracy | publisher=Outlook India | work=Press Trust of India | date=March 29, 2012 | accessdate=March 30, 2012}}</ref> |
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China responded strongly to the protests, and accused the Dalai Lama of pushing "extreme and radical views by glorifying and instigating extreme behavior." The ''China Tibet Online'' debased the Dalai Lama, likening him to "cruel [[Nazi]]s" and comparing his actions to the [[Holocaust]] on Jews.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/hu-at-bric-summit-unlikely-to-pacify-tibetan-protesters-258008.html | title=Hu at BRIC summit unlikely to pacify Tibetan protesters | publisher=First Post | date=March 28, 2012 | accessdate=March 30, 2012 | author=Vembu, Venky}}</ref> Chinese spokesperson Luo Zhaohui termed the protests as "political" and "inconsistent with the teachings of [[Buddhism]]." Luo expressed regret over the loss of life and praised the Indian government's efforts to "[ensure] the safe and smooth holding" of the summit.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/China-regrets-loss-of-innocent-Tibetan-lives/articleshow/12462135.cms|title=China 'regrets' loss of innocent Tibetan lives|agency=[[Times News Network]]|date=March 30, 2012|accessdate=March 30, 2012|location=New Delhi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/china-appreciates-india-to-quell-tibetan-protests_766984.html|title=China appreciates India to quell Tibetan protests|date=March 29, 2012|accessdate=March 29, 2012|location=New Delhi|publisher=[[Zee News]]}}</ref> |
China responded strongly to the protests, and accused the Dalai Lama of pushing "extreme and radical views by glorifying and instigating extreme behavior." The ''China Tibet Online'' debased the Dalai Lama, likening him to "cruel [[Nazi]]s" and comparing his actions to the [[Holocaust]] on Jews.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/hu-at-bric-summit-unlikely-to-pacify-tibetan-protesters-258008.html | title=Hu at BRIC summit unlikely to pacify Tibetan protesters | publisher=First Post | date=March 28, 2012 | accessdate=March 30, 2012 | author=Vembu, Venky}}</ref> Chinese spokesperson Luo Zhaohui termed the protests as "political" and "inconsistent with the teachings of [[Buddhism]]." Luo expressed regret over the loss of life and praised the Indian government's efforts to "[ensure] the safe and smooth holding" of the summit.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/China-regrets-loss-of-innocent-Tibetan-lives/articleshow/12462135.cms|title=China 'regrets' loss of innocent Tibetan lives|agency=[[Times News Network]]|date=March 30, 2012|accessdate=March 30, 2012|location=New Delhi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/china-appreciates-india-to-quell-tibetan-protests_766984.html|title=China appreciates India to quell Tibetan protests|date=March 29, 2012|accessdate=March 29, 2012|location=New Delhi|publisher=[[Zee News]]}}</ref> |
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The Indian government perceived the disruptions as a [[loss of face]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/losing-face-indias-tibetan-problem-259606.html|title=Losing face: India's Tibetan problem|first=Sandip|last=Roy|date=March 29, 2012|accessdate=March 29, 2012|publisher=First Post}}</ref> and New Delhi acted to detain hundreds of protesters, cordon-off areas with Tibetan populations, and provide police escorts.<ref name="p1">{{cite web | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/chinese-presidents-visit-to-delhi-provokes-tibetan-protests-190973 | title=Chinese President's visit to Delhi provokes Tibetan protests | publisher=NDTV | date=March 28, 2012 | accessdate=March 29, 2012 | author=Correspondent}}</ref> However, despite warnings, the Tibetan Youth Congress announced that they would continue to protest in the city.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/brics-tight-security-in-delhi-as-tibetan-protestors-detained/243613-3.html | title=BRICS summit: Tight security in Delhi as Tibetan protestors detained | publisher=CNN-IBN | date=March 29, 2012 | accessdate=March 30, 2012 | author=Advani, Smriti}}</ref> The Opposition leader [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] condemned the arrests of protesters, labeling it a "shame for democracy, and violation of people's fundamental rights".<ref name="bjp"/> |
The Indian government perceived the disruptions as a [[loss of face]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/losing-face-indias-tibetan-problem-259606.html|title=Losing face: India's Tibetan problem|first=Sandip|last=Roy|date=March 29, 2012|accessdate=March 29, 2012|publisher=First Post}}</ref> and New Delhi acted to detain hundreds of protesters, cordon-off areas with Tibetan populations, and provide police escorts.<ref name="p1">{{cite web | url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/chinese-presidents-visit-to-delhi-provokes-tibetan-protests-190973 | title=Chinese President's visit to Delhi provokes Tibetan protests | publisher=NDTV | date=March 28, 2012 | accessdate=March 29, 2012 | author=Correspondent}}</ref> However, despite warnings, the Tibetan Youth Congress announced that they would continue to protest in the city.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/brics-tight-security-in-delhi-as-tibetan-protestors-detained/243613-3.html | title=BRICS summit: Tight security in Delhi as Tibetan protestors detained | publisher=CNN-IBN | date=March 29, 2012 | accessdate=March 30, 2012 | author=Advani, Smriti}}</ref> The Opposition leader [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] condemned the arrests of protesters, labeling it a "shame for democracy, and violation of people's fundamental rights".<ref name="bjp"/> |
Revision as of 07:07, 30 March 2012
2012 BRICS Summit 4th BRICS Summit | |
---|---|
Host country | India |
Date | March 29, 2012 |
Venue(s) | Taj Mahal Hotel |
Cities | New Delhi |
The 2012 BRICS Summit was the fourth annual BRICS summit, an international relations conference attended by the head of states of the five member states Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The summit was held at Taj Mahal Hotel[1] in New Delhi, India on March 29, 2012.[2] This is the first time that India has hosted a BRICS summit.[3] The theme of the summit was "BRICS Partnership for Global Stability, Security and Prosperity".[2] The summit's main goal was to discuss the creation of a bank for developing countries. The summit was held amidst tight security and faced numerous controversies, most prominently anti-China protests carried out by Tibetans.
Preparations
Logo
Preparations for the summit began with the announcement from the Ministry of External Affairs, India about a competition to choose the official logo for the meeting, open to all resident and non-resident Indians, as well as persons of Indian origins staying overseas. The logo was expected to "bring out the essence of this grouping of countries, which has received unprecedented global attention in recent years and now occupies a prominent space in the global political and economic landscape." The competition ended on January 7, 2012.[4] A specially-constituted jury announced the winning design on February 10, 2012 as the submission of Sonesh Jain, an architecture student of the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee. The logo is a symbolic representation of a peacock with "colours suggesting resurgence and renewal".[5]
Security
Hosting the summit involved elaborate security arrangements in the city. 2,000 police personnel and National Security Guard commandos were deployed throughout the city's arterial areas, with special emphasis on the summit venue. The venue's security involved a three-tier arrangement handled by the Delhi Police and the embassy officials of the visiting nations, and involved body checks and metal detectors. To ensure the security of the attending delegates, the floors above and below the rooms to be occupied were left vacant.[6] In addition, the entire hotel was occupied by the BRICS summit, and guests were re-directed to other hotels. Security personnel were posted even on the rooftops of the venue.[7]
Pre-summit events
During March 4–6, 2012, the Delhi-based public policy organisation Observer Research Foundation conducted the 4th BRICS Academic Forum, which involved the participation of approximately 60 scholars from all five states. The forum was held to generate ideas and proposals, which would be put forward to the attending state heads for further consideration. At the end of the forum, 18 recommendations were put forward for increasing the effectiveness of the group.[3] A BRICS business forum took place the day before the leaders official summit.[8]
Attending delegations
The heads of state/heads of government of the five countries participated in the summit.
Hu arrived in New Delhi with a delegation of senior ministers which included Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, State Councillor Dai Bingguo as well as business executives.[9] Zuma's delegation included the Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies and business executives. All five trade ministers were present as well.[8]
Discussions
Development bank
The main agenda for the summit was the creation of a new development bank. The bank would be used to fund development and infrastructure projects in developing countries.[10] The idea for setting up the bank was put forward by India, as a sign of firming the power of the group and increasing its influence in global decision-making.[11] Brazilian Trade Minister Fernando Pimentel said that the bank "would be a very powerful financial tool to improve trade opportunities, and may be a major step to support the EU to overcome its financial crisis."[8]
Other issues
Zuma's office said that South Africa would seek to advance African interests in seeking support for infrastructure projects and industrialisation initiatives, as well as call for reform in mulilateral institutions.[8]
Conclusions
Multilateral financial institutions
All five countries called for an urgent need to implement the 2010 Governance and Quota Reform before the 2012 IMF – World Bank Annual Meeting. The countries also want the comprehensive review of the quota formula to reflect economic weights and enhance the voice and representation of emerging market and developing countries by January 2013.[12][13][14]
All five countries also called for candidatures from developing world for the position of the President of the World Bank reiterating that the heads of IMF and the World Bank should be selected through an open and merit-based process.[12][13][14] The call came weeks before the World Bank's presidential election which would, for the first time, feature non-United States candidates. China's Hu said: "We are committed to stepping up exchanges with other countries on global economic governance reforms and increasing representation of developing countries." Manmohan Singh added that "while some progress has been made in international financial institutions, there is lack of movement on the political side. BRICS should speak with one voice on important issues such as the reform of the UN Security Council."[15]
Trade and other economic issues
To promote trade in local currencies, the BRICS countries signed the Master Agreement on Extending Credit Facility in Local Currency and the Multilateral Letter of Credit Confirmation Facility Agreement to replace the United States dollar as the main unit of trade between them.[16] The trade ministers also said that tightening intra-BRICS trade would help as an antidote to the European sovereign debt crisis.[8] The trade ministers also called for collective action to fight the European and United States economic downturns. India's Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma told the BRICS Business Forum, organised by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Indian Industry and Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, that the "adversity of financial crisis is being faced by all. There is a need to work together to overcome this problem." His Chinese counterpart Chen Deming added that both economic problems were affecting all states and decreased Chinese exports. "I am sure they will recover. There is a need to prevent the EU crisis quickly before it gets worse. There has been a decline in demand in the European markets. Despite this we have to sustain a high level of growth." Russian Minister for Economic Development and Trade Elvira Nabioullina added that "the world has to stop accumulating risks. There is a need to work closer."[17]
In order to bring the economies of BRICS closer, all members agreed to launch a benchmark equity index derivative allowing investors in one BRICS country to bet on the performance of stock markets in the other four members without currency risk. The indices will be cross-listed in BRICS' flagship stock exchanges from March 30.[18]
Foreign policy issues
All five countries called for the international community to continue development projects in Afghanistan for 10 years after the ISAF withdraws most of its combat troops by the end of 2014.
They also condemned the Western world’s pressure tactics on Iran to make other countries adhere to their restrictions on trade ties[19] and said dialogue alone could resolve the nuclear issues. The group added that the 2011-2012 Syrian uprising could also only be resolved through dialogue. They warned against any military intervention in Syria by the West or by Israel in Iran.[20] They added that a war with Iran would have "disastrous consequences."[21] China's Trade Minister Chen Deming said that the "rise [in the price] of crude oil has impacted all countries. The Iran issue has become an issue for all. We need to continue with normal relations with Iran, but, at the same time, we respect UN resolution. We hope that unilateral movement by one country will not affect other countries."[17]
Controversies
Protests
On March 26, a Tibetan-Indian activist named Jamphel Yeshi set himself on fire at a rally in Delhi and subsequently died of his burns two days later. Yeshi was given a "martyr's funeral" by several Tibetan exile organizations;[22] a rally was held in Dharamshala in his memory.[23] On March 28, protesters attempted to storm into the hotel where Hu was staying, prompting an increase in security for the officials. Around ten Tibetan activists unfurled a Tibetan flag near the hotel, and attempted to march towards the summit venue but were detained by the police.[24] Protesters were also present at the United Nations office where the Tibetan Youth Congress submitted memorandums to the embassies of the participating states. Similar protests were also held at Khan Market and the Jantar Mantar, prompting a heavy police presence in such areas.[25] Police camps were set up in certain colonies of Tibetan refugees in Delhi.[26]
China responded strongly to the protests, and accused the Dalai Lama of pushing "extreme and radical views by glorifying and instigating extreme behavior." The China Tibet Online debased the Dalai Lama, likening him to "cruel Nazis" and comparing his actions to the Holocaust on Jews.[27] Chinese spokesperson Luo Zhaohui termed the protests as "political" and "inconsistent with the teachings of Buddhism." Luo expressed regret over the loss of life and praised the Indian government's efforts to "[ensure] the safe and smooth holding" of the summit.[28][29]
The Indian government perceived the disruptions as a loss of face,[30] and New Delhi acted to detain hundreds of protesters, cordon-off areas with Tibetan populations, and provide police escorts.[25] However, despite warnings, the Tibetan Youth Congress announced that they would continue to protest in the city.[31] The Opposition leader Bharatiya Janata Party condemned the arrests of protesters, labeling it a "shame for democracy, and violation of people's fundamental rights".[26]
Traffic
A day prior to the summit, traffic restrictions were imposed in Sardar Patel Marg so as to allow proper movement of the visiting dignitaries. Such restrictions were expected to affect traffic at major city roads, India Gate and Rajiv Chowk. However, despite an earlier announcement stating that restrictions would be imposed in the evening, the restrictions were placed by the afternoon. As a result, commuters were left stranded due to traffic blocks. Despite advisories from the police, there was confusion on the roads.[32] Some people reported that they were held up at the roads for several hours. The blocked roads were also used by commuters travelling from satellite towns into Delhi, thus forcing the people to find alternate options for traveling. The Delhi Police's advice of avoiding the blocked routes and finding alternate routes was met with criticism as such measures would add considerably to commuting time. Commuter displeasure was also expressed on social networking sites like Facebook. The traffic conditions in the city made many commuters use the Delhi Metro to reach their destinations.[33]
Reactions
The United States' State Department said through a spokesperson that it had "reviewed the leaders' Delhi declaration and believe that their efforts to engage in global multilateral institutions productively can only strengthen the international system," adding that its efforts to support the global economy and development in Afghanistan were welcomed. However, in regards to Iran he said that U.S. President Barack Obama "has said that no option has been taken off the table, he's also been very clear that there's still... time for a diplomatic solution."[21]
See also
- Foreign relations of Brazil
- Foreign relations of Russia
- Foreign relations of India
- Foreign relations of the People's Republic of China
- Foreign relations of South Africa
References
- ^ "Note for Media Personnel not Based in India" (PDF). BRICS India. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- ^ a b Bureau, Zeebiz (March 29, 2012). "BRICS summit in Delhi begins today". Press Trust of India. Zee News. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
- ^ a b Aurobinda Mahapatra, Debidatta (March 11, 2012). "Expectations from the New Delhi BRICS Summit". Russia and India Report. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- ^ IANS (December 23, 2011). "India gears up to host BRICS summit in March". DNA India. Retrieved March 22, 2012.
- ^ "Winner of BRICS Logo Design Competition". Ministry of External Affairs, India. February 10, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2012.
- ^ "Security Arrangements Beefed up for BRICS Summit in Delhi". Press Trust of India. News Reporter.in. March 27, 2012. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
- ^ Phadnis, Ashwin (March 29, 2012). "Security staff take control of BRICS meet venue". The Times of India. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Sathekge, Bernard (March 29, 2012). "Zuma at Brics summit". The New Age. AFP. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
- ^ "Jintao reaches India to participate BRICS summit". NI Wire. News Track India. March 28, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
- ^ "BRICS summit focuses on new development bank". The Economic Times. India. AFP. March 29, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
- ^ Kenn Klomegah, Kester (March 23, 2012). "BRICS bank could change the money game". Al Jazeera. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
- ^ a b "BRICS flay West over IMF reform, monetary policy". Reuters. Retrieved 2012-29-03.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ a b "BRICS 2012 summit declaration". Reuters. Retrieved 2012-29-03.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ a b "Fourth BRICS Summit Declaration: 2012 New Delhi". Ministry of External Affairs (India). Retrieved 2012-29-03.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BRICS-to-set-up-joint-bank-call-for-dialogue-on-Iran-Syria/articleshow/12457123.cms
- ^ "BRICS nations sign pacts to promote trade in local currency". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2012-29-03.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
(help) - ^ a b http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/article3255268.ece
- ^ "Top ten highlights of the Fourth BRICS 2012 Summit". NDTV. Retrieved 2012-29-03.
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(help) - ^ "2012 BRICS focusses on economic, development issues". The Hindu. Retrieved 2012-29-03.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
(help) - ^ http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/brics-summit-defends-dialogue-for-syria-iran-191545
- ^ a b http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/us-cautiously-welcomes-brics-summit/articleshow/12461738.cms
- ^ Kumar, Naresh (March 30, 2012). "Martyr's funeral for Tibetan protester". Hindustan Times. Dharamsala. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
- ^ VN Sreeja (March 29, 2012). "BRICS Summit 2012: Tibetan Anti-China Protesters Clash With Police". International Business Times. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
- ^ "Protesters Unfurl Tibetan Flag Near BRICS Summit Venue". Press Trust of India. Outlook India. March 29, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
- ^ a b Correspondent (March 28, 2012). "Chinese President's visit to Delhi provokes Tibetan protests". NDTV. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
{{cite web}}
:|author=
has generic name (help) - ^ a b "BJP Terms Arrest of Tibetans As Shame for Democracy". Press Trust of India. Outlook India. March 29, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
- ^ Vembu, Venky (March 28, 2012). "Hu at BRIC summit unlikely to pacify Tibetan protesters". First Post. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
- ^ "China 'regrets' loss of innocent Tibetan lives". New Delhi. Times News Network. March 30, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
- ^ "China appreciates India to quell Tibetan protests". New Delhi: Zee News. March 29, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
- ^ Roy, Sandip (March 29, 2012). "Losing face: India's Tibetan problem". First Post. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
- ^ Advani, Smriti (March 29, 2012). "BRICS summit: Tight security in Delhi as Tibetan protestors detained". CNN-IBN. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
- ^ "Arrival of dignitaries for BRICS Summit leads to traffic chaos". Press Trust of India. CNN-IBN. March 28, 2012. Retrieved March 30, 2012.
- ^ "BRICS summit breaks patience of Delhi commuters". Indo-Asian News Service. First Post. March 28, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2012.