G20 family photo cancelled after European countries object to Russia’s Lavrov

The traditional G20 family photograph was cancelled after European countries objected to posing alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly called off the photo opportunity to avoid further controversy. But the disagreement goes beyond a photograph. From the Russia-Ukraine war to tensions over Iran, trade tariffs and South Africa’s absence, the incident highlights growing divisions among G20 members. Here’s what the cancelled photograph reveals about global diplomacy.Updated - October 31, 2026 03:22 pm IST