New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received a formal invitation from Russia to participate in the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, scheduled for May 9, 2025, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on Wednesday.
During a press briefing, Jaiswal stated that India would announce its decision regarding participation in the commemorative event at an “appropriate time.”
“Our Prime Minister has received an invitation for the participation in the Victory Day celebrations. We will be announcing our participation in the Victory Day celebration at the appropriate time. As far as participation of Indian contingent is concerned, again, we will let you know as and when we have an update,” Jaiswal said.
Citing government sources, Russian news agency TASS reported that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh may represent India at the Victory Day parade in Moscow. A military source noted that his visit is “possible” and currently under consideration.
Victory Day commemorates the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II and is marked annually with a large-scale military parade at Moscow’s Red Square.
In February, TASS had also reported a high likelihood of PM Modi attending the May 9 celebrations, which this year mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning a visit to the May 9 parade in Moscow. It is highly likely that it will take place,” TASS quoted a military source as saying.
The report also mentioned that discussions are underway regarding the potential participation of an Indian armed forces ceremonial unit in the parade, which would be required to arrive in Russia at least a month prior to prepare for the event.
Prime Minister Modi last visited Russia in October 2024 to attend the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan under Russia’s chairmanship. That visit followed another earlier in July, when PM Modi attended the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit in Moscow.
During his July 2024 visit, PM Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and was conferred with Russia’s highest civilian honor, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen India-Russia relations.