This year’s summit will take place in Delhi from 9-10 September.

Sergei Lavrov will represent Mr Putin at the summit, Mr Putin told Mr Modi.

According to India, the two leaders also discussed a number of “regional and global issues of mutual concern”.

According to a Russian government spokesperson, Mr Putin will not attend the summit due to a “busy schedule”.

In addition to the European Union, the G20 consists of the 19 wealthiest countries in the world. The G20 presidency rotates annually between members, with India currently holding it.

In Delhi, world leaders including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In order to avoid the risk of possible arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mr Putin attended the Brics summit in Johannesburg by video link last week. Mr Putin is accused of war crimes in Ukraine by the ICC.

India said Mr Modi expressed “understanding for Russia’s decision” and thanked Mr Putin for supporting Delhi’s initiatives during his G20 presidency.

In its statement, Russia did not mention Mr Putin’s absence at the G20 summit, but said that the two countries agreed to “closely collaborate” during Russia’s BRICS chairmanship, which begins on 1 January next year.

There was also an exchange of views on current Russian-Indian relations, which are developing in the spirit of a special strategic partnership. India is now available on YouTube. Watch our documentaries, explainers, and features by subscribing here.