Russia To Be Represented By FM Sergey Lavrov In G20 Summit, Putin Tells PM Modi

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation today with Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin, discussing a range of bilateral and global matters, including recent developments following the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. The leaders engaged in a comprehensive review of the progress made on various fronts of bilateral cooperation while also exchanging viewpoints on regional and global concerns. The recently concluded BRICS Summit took center stage in their discussion.

During the conversation, President Putin expressed his regret over being unable to attend the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 9-10, 2023, the Prime Minister’s Office stated. Instead, he informed Prime Minister Modi that Russia would be represented by its Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov.

In response, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his understanding of Russia’s decision and extended gratitude for the consistent support provided by Russia to India’s initiatives during its G20 Presidency.

The leaders agreed to maintain communication to ensure ongoing coordination.

Putin To Focus on Military Operation

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be present at the forthcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. The summit, under India’s presidency, is set for September 9-10.

The decision is attributed to President Putin’s involvement in an ongoing special military operation in Ukraine. Peskov clarified that the exact format of Putin’s participation in the global gathering will be determined at a later time.

“President Vladimir Putin is not planning a trip to the G20 summit in India, which will be held in September. The main emphasis now is a special military operation,” Dmitry Peskov informed Russian media.

Sources indicate that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as in the past, will represent President Putin at the summit. Lavrov took on a similar role during the previous G20 Summit held in Bali, Indonesia.

Last week, President Putin virtually attended the BRICS Summit held in South Africa, represented by Lavrov.