Lavrov to represent Russia at G20, Putin tells Modi - Indian PM's office

DELHI. Aug 28 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he will not attend the G20 summit in Delhi in a telephone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the latter's office said on Monday.

"Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with the President of the Russian Federation, H.E Mr. Vladimir Putin. The two leaders reviewed progress on number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including the recently concluded BRICS Summit in Johannesburg," the statement said.

Putin told Modi that he would be unable to attend the G20 summit, due to be held in Delhi on September 9-10, and that Russia would instead be represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the office said.

The prime minister "express[ed] an understanding for Russia's decision" and thanked Russia for supporting India, it said.