Wed Apr 30 09:53:56 UTC 2025: **India’s Defence Minister to Attend Moscow Victory Day Parade; Modi’s Absence Noticeable**
MOSCOW, April 30, 2025 – India will be represented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, not Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day in Moscow next month, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. While Russia extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi for the May 9th military parade, India informed them that Mr. Singh would attend instead. This marks a notable absence of India’s highest-ranking official at the commemoration of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
Mr. Peskov confirmed that India’s representation will not be at the highest level. In contrast, Chinese President Xi Jinping has confirmed his attendance. Russia expects approximately 20 foreign leaders to attend the event. Mr. Modi’s absence follows two visits to Russia in 2024, including the BRICS summit in Kazan. A reciprocal visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin to India is anticipated this year for their annual summit. President Putin recently highlighted the significance of the upcoming anniversary, emphasizing the historical turning point in World War II.
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