Last Updated:April 30, 2025, 15:47 IST
The annual Moscow Victory Day Parade, a significant military spectacle, takes place on May 9th on Red Square as part of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi | File Image/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the Victory Day Parade of Russia on May 9. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India at the celebrations in Moscow that marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sources said.
Russia had extended an invitation to the Indian Prime Minister for the significant anniversary.
The developments come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalagm terror attack where 26 people were killed. PM Modi had earlier cut short his Saudi Arabia trip in the wake of the deadliest terror attack in the Valley in recent years.
The Prime Minister has been holding back to back meetings over the attack and met chiefs of armed forces, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday.
PM Modi also chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) on Wednesday, the first such huddle since the Pulwama terror attack in 2019.
What Is The Victory Day Parade In Moscow?
The annual Moscow Victory Day Parade, a significant military spectacle, takes place on May 9th on Red Square as part of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. This parade of the Russian Armed Forces holds immense symbolic importance, with Russian President Vladimir Putin typically serving as the guest of honor and delivering a keynote address. The event is a prominent display of Russia’s military might and a key fixture in the country’s commemorative activities.
This grand parade serves as a commemoration of Russia’s decisive victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The path to this triumph saw the Soviet Army launch a major offensive against Germany in January 1945, culminating in the signing of the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Germany by the respective commanders-in-chief on May 9th. This historic act officially marked the end of the devastating war in Europe, and the Moscow Victory Day Parade stands as a powerful annual reminder of this pivotal moment in history.
News india PM Modi To Skip Russia Visit, Rajnath Singh To Represent India At Victory Day Celebrations On May 9