The annual Victory Day Parade, held in Moscow’s Red Square, is one of Russia’s most important national events, commemorating the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in what is known domestically as the Great Patriotic War.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India at the Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 9, marking a significant diplomatic gesture as Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of its triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. Official sources confirmed that India will participate in the prestigious event, albeit not at the head-of-state level.
The annual Victory Day Parade, held in Moscow’s Red Square, is one of Russia’s most important national events, commemorating the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in what is known domestically as the Great Patriotic War. This year’s parade assumes added significance as it marks eight decades since the Axis defeat and comes at a time of renewed geopolitical tensions and strategic realignments.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Modi’s absence on Wednesday. “The leader of India will not come… India will be represented, but not at the highest level,” Peskov said during a press briefing. He added that Chinese President Xi Jinping would attend the event, calling it a “separate visit to which we attach great importance.”
Despite Modi’s absence, India’s decision to send its Defence Minister signals continued respect for the historical ties between New Delhi and Moscow, especially in defence cooperation and military exchanges. Singh’s presence is expected to reaffirm India’s longstanding partnership with Russia, even as global power dynamics evolve.
A Strategic Delegation
Defence Minister Singh, who last visited Russia in December 2023, is expected to attend the parade alongside a ceremonial Indian Armed Forces contingent, according to reports from Russian state media. The possibility of Indian troops marching alongside Russian and other international forces is being worked out, reflecting both nations’ commitment to their enduring defence ties.
During his December visit, Singh had presided over the commissioning ceremony of the Indian Navy’s frigate INS Tushil in Kaliningrad and paid respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow. His visit also featured interactions with members of the Indian diaspora and key Russian defence officials.
INS Tushil is part of the upgraded Krivak III-class frigates under Project 1135.6. India has a total of six such vessels in service—three Talwar-class ships built in St. Petersburg and three Teg-class vessels constructed in Kaliningrad’s Yantar Shipyard. These frigates symbolise the deep defence cooperation between the two countries.
Modi-Putin Diplomacy Still On Track
While Modi will not travel to Moscow for the parade, high-level diplomatic engagement between India and Russia remains intact. President Putin is expected to visit India in early 2025, following a formal invitation extended by Prime Minister Modi. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov have both confirmed that preparations for Putin’s visit are underway as part of the annual summit tradition between the two nations.
“Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is our turn,” Ushakov said earlier this month, referring to the rotational nature of the annual India-Russia summits. Putin’s last visit to India occurred in December 2021 for the 21st bilateral summit held in New Delhi.
Last year, Modi made two significant trips to Russia. He attended the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in July 2024 and later participated in the BRICS summit held in Kazan in October. These visits demonstrated New Delhi’s continued strategic engagement with Moscow, even as it balances relations with the West and navigates a rapidly changing global order.
A Historic Partnership Amid Changing Dynamics
India and Russia share a long-standing and time-tested relationship, especially in defence, energy, and strategic cooperation. Russia remains a major supplier of arms and military technology to India, including cutting-edge platforms like the S-400 missile defence system, submarines, and aircraft.
However, the global context has evolved considerably. Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, Western sanctions, and shifting alliances have forced both countries to recalibrate their engagements. India has so far maintained a carefully neutral stance, calling for diplomacy and peaceful resolution while continuing bilateral cooperation with Moscow.
In this light, Rajnath Singh’s visit to Moscow—though ceremonial—also serves as a message of continuity, signalling that while India may be recalibrating its external engagements, the core strategic relationship with Russia remains robust.
Commemorating the Past, Engaging the Future
Victory Day in Russia is more than just a military parade—it is a deeply symbolic occasion that honours the sacrifice of millions during World War II and underscores the resilience of the Russian people. India’s participation, even at the ministerial level, reflects its respect for shared wartime history and its intention to remain a trusted partner to Russia.
As Singh prepares to represent India in Moscow, his visit will be closely watched for both the optics and substance it may deliver, in what continues to be one of India’s most consequential bilateral relationships.
