MoS Lekhi: Xi, Putin skipping G20 won’t have any impact on conclave outcome

New Delhi [India], September 3 (ANI): The Chinese and Russian Presidents, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin respectively, skipping the G20 leaders meeting would not have any impact on the summit's outcome, said Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi on Sunday.
Underplaying Xi's and Putin's absence during the G20 summit, Lekhi said a declaration that will be issued at the end of the summit is mostly prepared, and it is the countries' prerogative who they want to send.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely going to skip the G20 summit in India next week, according to reports. China will likely be represented by Premier Li Qiang at the conclave.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi his decision to not attend the summit.
"The absence of these leaders would not have any impact on the summit. Most things that have been worked on are part of the declaration. It is those countries' prerogative to send whoever they wish and who will represent them. Both the countries will be represented, respectively. I am sure there would be internal reasons of the countries," Lekhi told ANI when asked whether the leader's absence would have any impact on the summit.
The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10 will be a culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil societies.
India has invited Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE as guest countries for the mega event.
Most of the leaders have confirmed their presence which includes, US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
At the end of the summit, a declaration will be adopted stating Leaders’ commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings.
India holds the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.
The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States) and the European Union. The G20 members represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. (ANI)