Russia invites PM for May 9 Victory Parade

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had received invitation from Russia for participation in the country’s ‘Victory Day’ celebrations.

Confirming the invitation from Russia, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The PM has received an invitation from Russia. India will confirm the visit at appropriate time.”

Earlier, Russian state media reported the possibility of the visit of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to ‘Victory Parade’ celebrations. Russia has invited several countries for the upcoming event on May 9 in Moscow. There are also talks about the participation of the Indian contingent in the ceremony.

Notably, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko was quoted saying that Moscow was expecting the Indian PM at the parade on May 9, which would mark the 80th anniversary of Soviet Union’s victory over Germany in World War II. He had further said the invitation was already sent and the visit was being worked out.

In July last, Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow to attend the 22nd Russia-India summit, his first trip to the country in nearly five years. He had visited the far eastern city of Vladivostok in 2019 to attend an economic conclave.

Marks soviet win

The day will mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Germany in World War II. In January 1945, the Soviet Army had launched an offensive against Germany. The commanders-in-chief on May 9 signed the Act of Unconditional Surrender of Germany, which ended the war.

In October last, Modi visited the Russian city of Kazan for the BRICS summit. During his last visit, Modi invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India.

Putin has already accepted Modi’s invitation to visit India. He is expected to travel to India this year as part of the established framework for reciprocal annual engagements between the leaders of the two nations. However, the dates of Putin’s visit have not been revealed yet.

In his congratulatory message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi on the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day in January, Putin had said that Russian-Indian relations were based on “special and privileged strategic partnership”.

Putin and Modi maintain regular contact, holding telephone conversations once every couple of months. The two leaders have also held several in-person meetings, particularly on the side-lines of international events.

India