Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received a formal invitation from the Russian government to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
The invitation was confirmed by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, who stated that preparations for the high-profile visit are underway. He added that Russia has also invited leaders of several friendly nations to witness the grand military parade at Moscow’s Red Square.
This development comes amid strengthening diplomatic ties between India and Russia. Last month, Moscow announced that President Vladimir Putin would travel to India later this year, marking his first visit since Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine began in 2022. Although the dates for Putin’s trip remain undecided, the two leaders have continued their regular discussions through bilateral meetings and phone conversations.
PM Modi’s last visit to Russia took place in July 2024, ending a nearly five-year gap since his previous trip to Vladivostok in 2019 for an economic forum. During the 2024 visit, he held wide-ranging talks with President Putin and formally invited him to India—an offer that the Russian leader accepted.
Victory Day, observed every year on May 9, is a deeply symbolic event in Russia, celebrating the Soviet Army’s triumph in World War II. The upcoming anniversary holds even greater historical significance, marking 80 years since the end of the war in Europe. With global leaders expected to attend, the event will serve as a key platform for international diplomacy.
