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Vladimir Putin
According to recent reports, the Kremlin has suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may attend the G20 summit in September, which will be hosted by India, despite the ongoing tensions with the West over the Ukraine conflict. The decision has not yet been made, but the Kremlin has indicated that Putin’s participation cannot be ruled out.
​​The G20 Leaders’ Summit is a highly significant international forum for economic cooperation, with member nations discussing and working on issues related to global economic growth, international trade and investment, employment, and energy. Given the current global economic climate and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the upcoming summit is expected to focus on measures to promote sustainable economic growth, job creation, and digital transformation.
India’s presidency of the G20 is a crucial milestone for the country, as it is the first time that India has assumed the presidency of the grouping. The country is currently undergoing major economic and social transformations, and its presidency of the G20 offers a unique opportunity to showcase its growing role as a global economic power.
Russia’s participation in the G20 framework has been an important aspect of its international relations, and the country has been an active member of the forum since its inception. However, Russia’s war with Ukraine has led to strained relations with the West, and the country has faced economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
G20 under India’s Presidency
Despite the tensions with the West, Russia has continued to participate fully in the G20 framework, and the country’s participation has been seen as a way to maintain its status as a major global power.
Earlier this month, Russian Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov attended a two-day meeting of the G20 foreign ministers in New Delhi. Alongside Lavrov, other foreign ministers in attendance included Antony Blinken of the United States, Catherine Colonna of France, Qin Gang of China, Annalena Baerbock of Germany, and James Cleverly of the United Kingdom. Despite the tense atmosphere, Lavrov praised India’s diplomatic approach to global issues, describing it as “highly responsible” and “worthy of a great power” during a press conference held on the sidelines of the meeting. Unfortunately, due to the growing animosity between Russia and the Western powers over the Ukraine conflict, the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting was unable to issue a joint communique.
The Kremlin’s recent statement that Putin might attend the Delhi summit is therefore significant, as it suggests that Russia is still committed to the G20 framework and is willing to engage with the other member nations. However, there are also concerns that Putin’s attendance could lead to tensions and disagreements, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
India’s diplomatic tightrope walk on the issue of Ukraine has been closely watched, particularly given the country’s growing economic ties with the West. India has sought to balance its relationship with Russia with its strategic partnership with the US.
The upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi is therefore a crucial opportunity for member nations to come together and discuss measures to promote global economic growth and cooperation.
