PM Modi to Miss WW2 Victory Day Celebrations in Moscow, Rajnath Singh to Represent India
By New Delhi Post Desk, New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of WW2 Victory Day in Moscow on May 9, 2025, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on April 30, 2025. Instead, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India at the event, which will include a victory parade at Red Square, attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and other global leaders.
Modi Skips Moscow Event, Sends Rajnath Singh
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that PM Narendra Modi will not be attending the WW2 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. In Modi’s absence, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lead the Indian delegation to the event, scheduled for May 9, 2025. The celebrations, a significant event in Russia, commemorate the end of World War II in Europe and feature a grand military parade at Moscow’s Red Square.
Xi Jinping Confirms Attendance at Victory Parade
Chinese President Xi Jinping has confirmed his participation in the Victory Day celebrations, joining other world leaders to watch the parade at Red Square. The event holds symbolic importance for Russia, showcasing its military might and historical pride. Xi’s attendance underscores the strengthening ties between Russia and China, especially amid global geopolitical tensions, while India’s decision to send Rajnath Singh reflects its continued diplomatic engagement with Moscow.
India-Russia Relations in Focus
India’s participation, albeit without Modi, highlights the enduring relationship between New Delhi and Moscow, rooted in decades of strategic and military cooperation. Modi has attended Victory Day celebrations in the past, notably in 2015 and 2020, but his absence this year may be attributed to domestic commitments or India’s careful balancing of relations with Western nations amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Rajnath Singh’s presence ensures India maintains its tradition of honoring the historical ties with Russia while navigating a complex global landscape.
Significance of Victory Day Amid Global Tensions
The Victory Day parade, a major event in Russia, comes at a time of heightened global tensions, particularly due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Russia uses the occasion to project unity and strength, often inviting leaders from allied nations. India’s decision to send a high-level representative like Rajnath Singh signals its intent to preserve strong bilateral ties with Russia, despite Western pressure to distance itself. The event will also provide an opportunity for Singh to engage with other leaders, including Xi Jinping, on the sidelines of the celebrations.
