PM Modi does not participate in the World War II Victory Celebration in Moscow: Kremlin

The Cossacks went to Red Square on April 29, 2025 to participate in the rehearsal of the military parade in Moscow, Russia | Photo source: AP

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday (April 30, 2025) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the 80th anniversary celebration of Victory Day in Moscow next month.

“India will not be represented at the highest level,” Peskov said.

According to local media reports, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh can represent India at the May 9 event, not Mr Modi.

President Vladimir Putin invited Mr. Modi and Xi Jinping to participate in the V-day celebrations in Moscow to watch the victory parade in Red Square.

Xi Jinping has confirmed that he will participate in the event. About 20 foreign leaders are being prepared to host in Moscow.

May 9 marked the victory of the Allies in 1945 against Nazi Germany. The Russian state-run news agency quoted Putin on Tuesday: “On the Volga, our troops stopped the enemy and defeated the enemy. A decisive blow on the Nazi war machine was in the war to the West and known as the Great man, a great contender, our 80-year-old victor, his victory was the victory of victory, our 80-year-old victor, his victory was the victory of victory. 9.”