Russia Invites PM Modi to Attend Victory Day Parade on May 9
Moscow, April 9: Russia has extended an official invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the May 9 Victory Day celebrations, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko confirmed on Tuesday.
“We are expecting Prime Minister Modi at the May 9 parade. The invitation has already been sent, and the visit is being worked out,” Rudenko told Russian news agency TASS.
Victory Day, one of Russia’s most significant national events, commemorates the signing of the Act of Unconditional Surrender by Germany on May 9, 1945, which formally ended World War II in Europe. The annual celebration includes a grand military parade at Moscow’s Red Square and is attended by top Russian leadership, military personnel, and foreign dignitaries.
This year, the Kremlin has invited leaders from several “friendly nations” to mark the landmark 80th year of the Allied victory.
PM Modi last visited Russia in July 2024, his first trip to the country in nearly five years, where he held extensive discussions with President Vladimir Putin and participated in bilateral and regional forums. During that visit, Modi extended an invitation to President Putin to visit India—a gesture the Russian leader has since accepted, though the dates for the visit are yet to be confirmed.
The two leaders enjoy a strong personal rapport and remain in regular contact, often speaking via telephone and meeting on the sidelines of major international events.
