Vladimir Putin won't be going to the G20 and will be meeting North Korea's leader instead. Can the G20 still bring leaders together?
ABCWhen the leaders of the richest and most powerful countries arrive in Delhi this weekend, they'll ride in bullet-resistant Audi vehicles hired for the equivalent of $3.4 million. Putin and Xi will be no-shows It's true India has become the centrepiece for Western countries trying to counter China's influence, and many leaders will be trying to woo Mr Modi at the G20. Meanwhile, it will be Anthony Albanese and Mr Modi's third meeting this year, after the prime minister called his Indian counterpart "The Boss" to a stadium of thousands in Sydney. The G20 could have been an appropriate forum for Mr Albanese and Mr Xi's second meeting as the Australian government attempts to further calm relations with China — but that won't eventuate either. Many G20 billboards emblazoned with Mr Modi's face have the slogan "Mother of Democracy" next to the prime minister, a concept that's drawn Western governments like Australia closer to India.