India is hosting the G-20 summit for the first time, an event that sees the participation of both developed and developing nations. Among the P-5 countries — major members of the United Nations Security Council — the USA, UK, and France have confirmed their attendance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the summit. China is yet to make a decision. However, there’s uncertainty around Russia’s participation. It’s rumored that President Vladimir Putin is hesitant to leave his country for almost three days, especially with a six-hour flight time from Moscow to Delhi. This hesitation may be due to the volatile internal situation in Russia. On June 23rd of this year, the Wagner Group, a Russian government-funded paramilitary and private military company, staged a rebellion. This followed increased tension between the Russian Ministry of Defence and Wagner’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin. The unrest has had repercussions within the Russian armed forces, which might be a reason for Putin’s possible absence in Delhi. Moreover, Putin isn’t attending the upcoming BRICS SUMMIT in South Africa.
