Russia invites Modi for Victory Day Parade on May 9

Russia has invited leaders of several friendly nations to attend this year’s Victory Day Parade.

Asked about the Russian invitation, Ministry of External Affairs’ official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India has received an invitation, and it will be announcing its participation at the “appropriate time”.

Sources said that it is unlikely that PM Modi will attend the Victory Day celebrations, but Defence Minister Rajnath Singh or a minister might represent India.

Moscow is also keen on a possible participation of an Indian Armed Forces contingent in the parade on Red Square, according to earlier reports by the agency. MEA spokesperson said that an announcement will be made later about this as well.

In January 1945, the Soviet Army launched an offensive against Germany. The commanders-in-chief on May 9 signed the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Germany, ending the war.

PM Modi has visited Russia twice last year. Last July, he attended the 22nd Russia-India summit in Moscow, his first trip to the country in nearly five years. In October last, Modi visited the Russian city of Kazan for the BRICS Summit. In 2019, he visited the far eastern city of Vladivostok in 2019 to attend an economic conclave.

During his last visit, Modi invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India. Putin has accepted Modi’s invitation and is expected to travel to India this year as part of the established framework for reciprocal annual engagements between the leaders of the two nations. However, the dates of Putin’s visit is yet to be announced.