Next month, a joint tri-services contingent of the Indian Armed Forces—including women officers—will participate in the Victory Day Parade in Moscow on May 7. Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the parade. However, no final decision has been announced. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh may represent India in place of the Prime Minister.
Global Guest List
According to the Kremlin, invitations have been sent to several global leaders to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of what Russians call the “Great Patriotic War.” In addition to Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted the invitation, as the TASS state news agency reported. However, Trump declined the invitation. When reporters asked about attending the event, he said, “No, no, I am not.”
Victory Parade Highlights
The Victory Day Parade, held annually on May 9 in Moscow’s Red Square, is a major national event commemorating the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million lives during the conflict, including millions in Ukraine. The war concluded with Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender at 11:01 p.m. on May 8, 1945—celebrated as “Victory in Europe Day” in the West. Due to the time difference in Moscow, it was already May 9, which the former Soviet Union officially designated as “Victory Day.”
The parade features Russia’s military hardware—tanks, artillery, missiles—and marching contingents of its armed forces. President Putin traditionally reviews the parade and addresses the nation. In recent years, amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine since 2022, Russia has also showcased captured war trophies, including weapons and equipment reportedly seized from Ukrainian and NATO forces. In 2024, these featured prominently once again.
Russian Delegation in India
A Russian government delegation is currently visiting India. During their trip, they visited the Regimental Centre of the Rajputana Rifles in the capital, Delhi. Research fellows from the Military History Department of the Army’s think tank, the United Service Institute, were also present during the visit.
India’s tri-services contingent has begun rehearsals for the parade. The Indian contingent has been participating in the event in the past. In 2020, a similar joint contingent represented the country in Moscow, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attending the ceremony.
Team BharatShakti
