On Monday, the Russian President personally conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi his inability to attend the Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.

During a telephonic conversation on Monday, Putin also informed that Russia would be represented at the G20 Summit by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

The two leaders reviewed progress on a number of issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern, including recently concluded BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.

Expressing his understanding of the decision, Modi thanked President Putin for Russia’s consistent support to all initiatives under India’s G20 Presidency.

“Topical issues of Russian-Indian relations, which are progressively developing in the spirit of a particularly privileged strategic partnership, were considered (during the call),” Reuters quoted a statement by Kremlin.

The two leaders, who enjoy a good rapport, agreed to remain in touch.

Eminent sculptor and Padma Vibhushan awardee Sudarshan Sahoo have sculpted two dozen stone sculptures, which would also be placed at Bharat Bandana Park showcasing the art and craft from across the country. A 6-feet high Konark wheel, which is an exact replica of the one at the Sun Temple, has been installed near Delhi Gate, while six statues of dancing women made of khandolite stone are placed near Air Force Station, Palam.

“The statues have been selected as a symbol of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and an example of exceptional craftsmanship. Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena expressed interest in using some of my creations. During his visit to Bhubaneswar during Rath Yatra in July, he selected some statues from our stock, which are displayed at various locations in Delhi,” 85-year-old Sahoo told TOI.

He further hoped that unique architectural style of the sculptors would impress the delegates and add to the beauty of the national capital.