Source: India Today | Original Published At: 2025-05-02 18:19:21 UTC
Key Points
- Rajnath Singh skips Russia's Victory Day parade due to security concerns post-Pahalgam attack
- Sanjay Seth to represent India at the 80th anniversary event in Moscow
- PM Modi's previous Russia visits highlight bilateral engagement
- Pakistan raises alarm over potential Indian military action
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to skip Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9 in Moscow. Singh was to visit Moscow in place of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was invited by Russia to attend the parade, but his trip was cancelled in light of last month’s Pahalgam terror attack.
Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth is expected to represent India at the parade held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Germany in World War II.
Russian officials did not specify the reason behind PM Modi’s decision not to visit Moscow for the annual event. But reports suggest it was made in light of the prevailing security situation following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people.
The Victory Day is Russia’s national pride and is attended by several global leaders and military representatives.
PM Modi visited Russia twice last year, one for the annual summit with President Vladimir Putin and the second trip to attend the Brics summit in Kazan.
Pakistan, fearing Indian retaliation, has claimed that India will soon launch a military strike on the neighbouring country. Islamabad said it was ready to respond to what it called any “misadventure” or “aggression” from New Delhi.