NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to convene the highly anticipated virtual G20 Leaders' Summit today, welcoming a multitude of global leaders to engage in crucial discussions on Wednesday evening. This summit marks a momentous occasion as leaders from all G20 member nations, the Chair of the African Union, and representatives from nine guest countries, alongside heads of 11 international organizations, have been cordially invited to participate.

Amidst the anticipation, the Kremlin confirmed on Monday that President Vladimir Putin will address the virtual G20 summit, articulating Russia's perspectives on the "deeply unstable world situation." Pavel Zarubin, a presenter on Russian state TV, shared insights via his Telegram channel, remarking on the significance of this event as it brings together Putin and Western leaders—a rarity in recent times.

However, notable absence looms over the virtual meeting, with reports surfacing about China's President Xi Jinping opting out of the scheduled gathering on Wednesday evening. This decision mirrors Xi and President Putin's previous absence from the G20 Leaders' Summit hosted in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.

The virtual convening under the stewardship of PM Modi is expected to navigate pressing global challenges, fostering dialogue and collaboration among the world's most influential leaders, while Putin's address promises to shed light on Russia's perceptions of the prevailing global instability.

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