A day after Russia canceled President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to South Africa for the BRICS summit, it is widely being discussed whether the leader will attend the upcoming G20 summit in India.
Significantly, the G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of major developed and developing economies of the world. Members represent approximately 85 percent of global GDP, more than 75 percent of global trade, and nearly two-thirds of the world population. The group includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union (EU).
India has already sent invitations
Reacting to the speculation, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India has already sent invitations to the leaders for the mega event. He said that India looked forward to welcoming his participation in the G20 Summit to be held in the national capital this September. Bagchi said that he cannot issue a reaction on any particular leader.
“At this point, I can only reiterate what we have said before that invitations have been sent to all G20 members as well as invited countries, international organizations and all invited international organizations. This is a physical summit and we will.” It is expected that all invitees will be able to attend the Summit in person.
“I understand there have been some confirmations, but still I don’t have a specific reaction on any particular leader, yes or no, and I don’t think it’s fair to look at it that way. But, yes, we are looking at I look forward to welcoming leaders here in September for our G20 Leaders’ Summit, the New Delhi Leaders’ Summit.”
Last year, at the G20 leaders’ forum in Bali, Indonesia, the Russian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. In 2020 and 2021, Putin attended the G20 summits via video link.
Also read: BRICS summit: Putin cancels South Africa trip amid fears of arrest in Johannesburg