Sergei Lavrov, first public appearance after three weeks of absence and speculation about fall from grace

The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, reappeared on Monday, November 17, in the public space, after almost three weeks of absence that fueled numerous speculations regarding his possible marginalization in the circle of power in the Kremlin. The head of Russian diplomacy met in Moscow with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, during a meeting held at the reception house of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

It is the first event that Lavrov is attending in person since his visit to Minsk on October 28. The Russian official pointed out at the start of the talks that this is the sixth meeting with Jaishankar this year alone.

“Your visit is very timely in view of the Russian-Indian summit that will take place in the Indian capital in just three weeks,” said Lavrov, pointing to the positive dynamics of bilateral relations, according to Agerpres.

At the same time, the Russian minister insisted on the idea of ​​continuity in relations between Moscow and New Delhi. “We have an intense political dialogue and constant cooperation in various international platforms”he added.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that the talks will focus in particular on major international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.

“It is an important opportunity to analyze the global situation together and coordinate our positions”said the Indian foreign minister.

Question marks over Lavrov's position

Lavrov's re-emergence comes after a period in which his absence from the public sphere has fueled rumors of a possible fall from grace. Media sources suggested that the minister was considered responsible for the cancellation of the Russian-American summit that was supposed to take place in Budapest.

The 76-year-old diplomat, who has headed the Foreign Ministry for more than two decades, was conspicuously absent from the Nov. 5 meeting of the Security Council of the Russian Federation — a high-profile meeting usually attended by the hard core of power in Moscow. During the meeting, Putin called for the resumption of discussions on possible nuclear tests, the first since 1990.

The Kremlin also announced that Lavrov will no longer lead Russia's delegation to this year's G20 summit. In his place, Putin appointed Maxim Oreskin, the deputy head of the presidential administration. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the decision, stressing that it had been taken “personal” by president.