Sat May 03 13:14:59 UTC 2025: ## India’s Deputy Defence Minister to Represent at Russia’s Victory Day Parade

**New Delhi, May 3, 2025** – India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will not attend Russia’s Victory Day parade this week, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Instead, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will represent India at the Moscow event. This decision comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi was initially invited to the parade, the government opted for Mr. Seth’s attendance. Russia has invited leaders from several friendly nations to the ceremony. This marks a shift from last year when Mr. Modi visited Russia twice, attending both the annual summit with President Vladimir Putin and the BRICS summit. President Putin is expected to reciprocate with a visit to India for the annual summit later this year. The change in representation is widely interpreted as a reflection of the current geopolitical climate and the strained relationship between India and Pakistan.

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