Rajnath Singh likely to attend Russia’s victory day parade, Putin's India visit also in the works

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to represent India at Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow next month, according to a report by Russia’s state-run agency, Tass.

The event, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, will take place on May 9 in Red Square.

Tass quoted Indian government sources as saying Singh’s participation is “possible,” though a final confirmation is yet to be made. 

The same report also noted that India has received an official invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the commemorations, with a decision expected at a later stage.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko told media on Tuesday that Moscow is hopeful about PM Modi’s presence at the event, and that the visit is under active discussion. There are also ongoing deliberations over a ceremonial Indian military contingent possibly taking part in the Victory Day parade.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that several world leaders, beyond just members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), have been invited to the celebrations.

This would not be the first time such an invitation has been extended—President Vladimir Putin had invited PM Modi to attend the 75th anniversary of Victory Day in 2020 as well.

Diplomatic ties between India and Russia appear to be gaining further momentum. Last month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that the bilateral relationship is evolving dynamically, driven by shared views on the emerging multipolar world order. He also revealed that preparations are ongoing for President Putin’s upcoming visit to India.

Lavrov praised the historical depth and resilience of the Russia-India relationship, stressing the importance of mutual respect and strategic alignment. Addressing the first international conference ‘Russia and India: Towards a New Agenda for Bilateral Relations’, Lavrov and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar both underscored the significance of ongoing political and economic cooperation.

It’s also been confirmed by Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov that Putin is expected to visit India in early 2025. This visit will mark the next installment in the tradition of annual summits between the two nations.

“The agreement between our leaders is to meet once every year. This time, it’s our turn,” Ushakov had said during a press interaction.

President Putin last visited India in December 2021 for the 21st Annual India-Russia Summit. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi made two high-profile visits to Russia last year—first in July for the 22nd bilateral summit, followed by his participation in the BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October.