According to television reports, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed visiting international leaders to New Delhi ahead of the G20 summit on Saturday.
As the Indian capital of New Delhi prepares for the two-day discussion on Ukraine, climate change, and other contentious global topics, Modi shook hands with the majority of arrivals.
But with the African Union poised to join the G20 this weekend, Putin gave Comoros President Azali Assoumani a warm embrace as the grouping’s chair.
Modi’s use of hosting rights for this year’s forum to enhance his reputation as a world leader ahead of national elections next year would make the bloc’s inclusion in the “G21” a significant diplomatic achievement.
Members’ strong disagreements over the Ukraine war have made it increasingly difficult for them to come to an agreement in recent years.
Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China have not attended the meeting at all this year.
Moscow keeps pushing friends to temper international criticism of its invasion of Ukraine, creating a significant barrier to cooperation.
