Moscow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending the 80th anniversary celebrations of Russia’s Victory Day, scheduled for May 9 in Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Wednesday that “India will not be represented at the highest level”, indicating Modi’s absence from the commemorative event.
While the official reason for the Prime Minister’s absence has not been publicly disclosed, Indian media reports suggest that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh may attend the ceremony in his place. Earlier this month, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that PM Modi had received a formal invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the celebrations.
President Putin had extended invitations to several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi, to witness the grand Victory Day parade at Moscow’s iconic Red Square. The Chinese President has since confirmed his participation, and the Kremlin is preparing to welcome approximately 20 foreign leaders for the occasion.
Victory Day, observed annually on May 9, commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 and is one of Russia’s most significant national holidays. This year marks the 80th anniversary of what Russia refers to as the “Great Patriotic War” victory.
Speaking on Tuesday, President Putin emphasized the historical significance of the event, saying,
“On the banks of the Volga, our troops halted and crushed the enemy. A decisive blow was delivered to the Nazi war machine, marking a turning point in the war and opening the road westward — to Berlin and to the Great Victory, whose 80th anniversary we will solemnly celebrate very soon, on May 9”.
The absence of India’s top leadership at this high-profile event could be viewed in the broader context of global diplomatic balancing amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Nonetheless, India is expected to maintain a symbolic presence through high-level representation.
