Moscow/New Delhi, April 9:
Russia has extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Victory Day parade scheduled on May 9 in Moscow, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko confirmed that the invitation has already been sent, and preparations for the visit are underway. The Russian news agency TASS reported the update citing Rudenko.
In New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The Prime Minister has received the invitation, and we will announce our participation in the Victory Day event at an appropriate time.”
Russia has invited several leaders from friendly countries to participate in this year’s commemorative event.
Historically, May 9, 1945, marks the day when the Soviet Commander-in-Chief signed the Act of Unconditional Surrender by Nazi Germany, officially ending World War II in Europe.
Prime Minister Modi last visited Russia in July 2024, where he attended the 22nd India-Russia Summit — his first visit to the country in nearly five years.
Previously, in 2019, he had travelled to Vladivostok for an economic forum, and in October 2024, he visited Kazan for the BRICS Summit.
During his most recent visit, PM Modi invited President Vladimir Putin to visit India — an invitation that Putin has already accepted. The Russian President is expected to visit India later this year, though the exact dates are yet to be announced.
In his Republic Day 2024 greetings, President Putin described the India-Russia relationship as a “special and privileged strategic partnership.”
Putin and Modi remain in regular contact, speaking by phone every few months and frequently meeting at international forums.
