Rajnath Singh : Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9, 2025, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is anticipated to be absent from the event. Singh’s deputy minister of state for defense, Sanjay Seth, is expected to represent India at the event in Moscow, according to government sources.
The decision comes as tensions between India and Pakistan rise following the latest terrorist assault in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. While no official justification has been given for Singh’s absence, sources inside the Ministry of Defence have indicated that the security situation resulting from the Pahalgam incident played a key influence in the decision.
Rajnath Singh has opted out of the Victory Day celebrations
“Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has opted out of the Victory Day celebrations, and Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will attend the event on behalf of the Indian government,” according to a top official.
The diplomatic setting and Modi’s absence
Russian President Vladimir Putin initially invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Victory Day parade. But given the growing security concerns and the worsening situation with Pakistan, Singh was chosen to attend instead. Prime Minister Modi’s decision to skip the parade has prompted diplomatic negotiations, according to sources, who also speculated that the decision was influenced by the recent events in Pahalgam.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent invites to leaders from various countries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. This year’s Victory Day parade in Moscow will feature leaders from almost 20 countries.
Historical importance of Victory Day
On May 9, Russia celebrates triumph Day, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945. The parade in Red Square is one of Russia’s most prominent celebrations, attracting attention from foreign leaders and military authorities.
In 2024, Prime Minister Modi made two trips to Russia: once for the BRICS Summit in Kazan and once for his yearly meeting with President Putin. With President Putin scheduled to visit India later this year for an annual meeting, the forthcoming Victory Day event is expected to be a pivotal event in Russia’s diplomatic calendar.
Implications for security and diplomacy
The fact that Sanjay Seth was sent rather than the defense minister shows how sensitive India’s security worries are in the wake of the Pahalgam incident. Numerous security officers were killed in the attack, which has worsened the security situation in Kashmir and strained ties between India and Pakistan.
“While the invitation to the Victory Day parade was extended to both PM Modi and Defence Minister Singh, the growing concerns regarding the security situation have prompted this change in representation,” stated a diplomatic source.
Given the high level of tension, India’s choice to send a less well-known delegate highlights the country’s continuous security issues and the delicate diplomatic balancing act the administration is performing.
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