Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is more likely to skip Russia’s Victory Day parade amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth set to signify India.
In a big diplomatic growth, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is more likely to skip Russia’s Victory Day parade, scheduled for Might 9, 2025, marking the eightieth anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World Conflict II. Official sources revealed that Singh’s Deputy, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, will signify India on the occasion in Moscow.
The choice comes amidst rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the latest terror assault in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Whereas no official motive has been cited for Singh’s absence, sources inside the Ministry of Defence recommended that the safety state of affairs arising from the Pahalgam assault performed a big function within the choice.
“Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has opted out of the Victory Day celebrations, and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will attend the occasion on behalf of the Indian authorities,” a senior official stated.
Modi’s absence and diplomatic context
Initially, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the Victory Day parade. Nonetheless, because of the evolving safety issues and the escalating state of affairs with Pakistan, it was determined that Singh would attend in his place. Sources additional talked about that Prime Minister Modi’s absence from the parade has sparked diplomatic discussions, with hypothesis linking the choice to the latest developments in Pahalgam.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had prolonged invites to leaders of a number of nations, together with China’s President Xi Jinping, for the commemoration of the eightieth anniversary of the Soviet victory in World Conflict II. This yr’s Victory Day parade in Moscow will host leaders from roughly 20 nations.
Historic significance of victory day
Victory Day on Might 9 is a big occasion in Russia, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. The parade at Purple Sq. is without doubt one of the most essential ceremonies in Russia, drawing consideration from world leaders and navy officers.
Prime Minister Modi visited Russia twice in 2024—as soon as for an annual summit with President Putin and once more for the BRICS Summit held in Kazan. The upcoming Victory Day occasion is ready to be an important a part of Russia’s diplomatic calendar, with President Putin planning a go to to India later this yr for an annual summit.
Diplomatic and safety implications
The choice to ship Sanjay Seth as an alternative of the Defence Minister highlights the sensitivity of India’s safety issues following the Pahalgam assault. The assault, which claimed the lives of a number of safety personnel, has intensified the safety state of affairs in Kashmir and strained relations between India and Pakistan.
“Whereas the invitation to the Victory Day parade was prolonged to each PM Modi and Defence Minister Singh, the rising issues concerning the safety state of affairs have prompted this modification in illustration,” a diplomatic supply stated.
As tensions stay excessive, India’s choice to ship a lower-profile consultant underscores the continuing safety challenges and the cautious diplomatic balancing act the federal government is navigating.
(PTI inputs)