Russia Names Lavrov to Lead Delegation at G20 in New Delhi as Putin Skips Summit
The Russian government has announced that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will head Russia’s official delegation to the G20 summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi. President Vladimir Putin conveyed this decision to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent phone conversation, as reported by Indian authorities. With Putin unable to attend the gathering on September 9-10, Lavrov will represent Moscow in the discussions and high-level meetings associated with the event.
In a follow-up statement, the Kremlin clarified that Putin informed Modi of his unavailability for the New Delhi summit. Lavrov’s leadership of the Russian delegation will ensure Moscow has a prominent voice in the proceedings and in bilateral engagements that accompany the summit agenda.
Modi’s office noted that the Indian prime minister appreciated Putin’s understanding of the scheduling conflict and extended thanks for Russia’s ongoing support for India’s leadership within the G20 framework during India’s chairmanship period. The exchange underscores strong bilateral cooperation as both nations coordinate on global and regional issues that influence the G20 agenda.
Officials also indicated that the leaders touched on broader topics, including bilateral cooperation, regional stability, and shared concerns on global developments. They exchanged views on the BRICS framework, reflecting on the recent BRICS summit concluded in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the implications for regional collaboration and economic coordination.
Public remarks from Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Russian president, suggested that the exact format of Russia’s participation in the New Delhi G20 summit remains under discussion and refinement. This confirmation points to ongoing planning as Moscow maps out its presence and the activities Lavrov will undertake during the event.
Earlier in August, Lavrov represented Russia at the BRICS summit in South Africa, participating in person for portions of the program, while Putin joined other events via video link. These arrangements illustrate a phased approach by Moscow to participate in key international gatherings while managing travel and scheduling constraints.
Earlier announcements from Peskov had indicated Putin’s decision not to attend the G20 summit in India, aligning with the broader plan for Lavrov to lead the Russian delegation. The evolving setup emphasizes Russia’s intent to engage actively in global forums while navigating practical considerations tied to high-level travel and formal attendance.