Rajnath Singh skips Russia's Victory Day parade amid tensions between India and Pakistan

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. File | Image source: ANI

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will skip Russia’s Victory Day parade, and his deputy, Sanjay Seth, may say this week (May 3, 2025) about events in Moscow this week.

follow Pahalgam terrorist attacks are updated in real time on May 3

Tensions have been exacerbated between India and Pakistan in the Pahargam terrorist attacks, sending the Secretary of State to the May 9 ceremony.

Russia invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Victory Day parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's defeat of Germany in World War II, but decided Singh would participate in the match.

Sources said Seth will represent India in the march.

Russia has invited leaders of several friendly countries to participate in this year's Victory Day parade.

Mr. Modi went to Russia twice last year to attend the annual summit with President Vladimir Putin and attended the BRICS summit in Kazan.

The Russian president is expected to visit India this year for the annual summit.