Russian President Vladimir Putin has informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will not attend the G20 Summit scheduled for 9–10 September 2023 in New Delhi. Instead, Russia will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov .
During a telephone conversation, President Putin conveyed his decision to Prime Minister Modi, who expressed understanding for the Russian leader’s absence. The two leaders also discussed various regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recent BRICS summit held in South Africa, which President Putin addressed via video link .
The Kremlin cited President Putin’s “busy schedule” as the reason for his absence. However, analysts suggest that the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against President Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine may have influenced his decision to avoid international travel, as he risks arrest in countries that are signatories to the ICC. India is not a member of the ICC .
President Putin’s absence from the G20 Summit follows a pattern of non-attendance at major international gatherings since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. He also did not attend the previous G20 Summit in Bali and the recent BRICS summit in Johannesburg, participating instead via video link .
Despite President Putin’s absence, the Russian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Lavrov, is expected to actively participate in the summit’s discussions. Russia has expressed appreciation for India’s efforts to ensure that the Ukraine conflict does not dominate the summit’s agenda, highlighting the importance of focusing on global economic and developmental issues .
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
India maintains longstanding ties with Russia, dating back to the Cold War era, and continues to rely on Russian arms and energy supplies. At the same time, India has been strengthening its strategic partnerships with Western nations, including the United States. India’s neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict has drawn criticism from some Western leaders, who urge New Delhi to take a firmer position against Russia’s actions .
Prime Minister Modi has emphasized India’s role as a bridge between the Global North and South, seeking to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, economic development, and digital infrastructure. The G20 Summit presents an opportunity for India to showcase its leadership on the world stage and navigate complex geopolitical dynamics .
G20 Summit Participation Overview
| Country | Leader Attending | Representative if Absent |
|---|---|---|
| United States | President Joe Biden | — |
| United Kingdom | Prime Minister Rishi Sunak | — |
| France | President Emmanuel Macron | — |
| Germany | Chancellor Olaf Scholz | — |
| Japan | Prime Minister Fumio Kishida | — |
| China | — | Premier Li Qiang |
| Russia | — | Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov |
| Brazil | President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva | — |
| South Africa | President Cyril Ramaphosa | — |
| Saudi Arabia | Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman | — |
Note: This table includes selected G20 member countries and their representation at the summit.
The G20 Summit in New Delhi is expected to address a range of global issues, including economic recovery, climate change, digital transformation, and sustainable development. The absence of key leaders like President Putin and China’s President Xi Jinping may influence the dynamics of the discussions, but the summit remains a critical platform for international cooperation and dialogue.