Russia’s Vladimir Putin has conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi his inability to attend the G20 Summit to be hosted by Delhi next weekend. Mr Putin will send foreign minister Sergey Lavrov in his place, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The PMO also said the leaders, who interacted during last week’s BRICS Summit in South Africa also spoke about bilateral, regional and global issues.
During the brief call, Prime Minister Modi expressed an understanding of Putin’s decision and conveyed India’s gratitude for Russia’s support as it holds presidency of the G20 for this year.
The two leaders agreed to remain in touch, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Speculation Putin will not travel for the G20 Summit broke last week after the Kremlin’s statement on the Russian leader.
