Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko on Tuesday confirmed that Moscow has officially invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the grand Victory Day celebrations on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. The annual event, one of Russia’s most significant national observances, is held at Red Square in Moscow and features a large military parade.
Speaking to Russian state-run news agency TASS, Rudenko said, “An invitation has been sent to Prime Minister Modi, and we expect his presence in Moscow for this important occasion.”
This would be PM Modi’s second visit to Russia within a year. In July 2024, he had travelled to Russia after a five-year gap to strengthen bilateral ties, during which he formally invited President Vladimir Putin to visit India later this year—a trip that, according to officials, is currently being scheduled.
Strengthening India-Russia Ties Amid Global Shifts
The exchange of high-level visits underscores the ongoing strategic relationship between India and Russia despite significant realignments in global geopolitics. President Putin and Prime Minister Modi maintain frequent direct contact, often engaging in telephonic conversations and meeting at the sidelines of multilateral summits such as BRICS and the SCO.
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India’s participation in the May 9 celebrations is also being viewed as a symbolic reaffirmation of historical ties that go back to the days of the Cold War and the USSR’s unwavering support for India at the United Nations Security Council.
Apart from India, several other “friendly nations,” as described by Rudenko, have been invited to the Victory Day commemorations. Russia is expected to showcase its military prowess and pay homage to its World War II heroes at the parade.
Why May 9 Matters to Russia
Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9, a day after most of the world commemorates VE Day (Victory in Europe). The difference in dates stems from the late-night signing of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender to the Soviet Union in Berlin in 1945.
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The Soviet forces played a pivotal role in defeating the Axis powers, suffering the highest casualties during the war. The event has since evolved into a defining moment of Russian national pride and resilience.
PM Modi’s Last Russia Visit
During his 2024 visit, PM Modi attended a high-level economic forum in Moscow, held meetings with top Russian ministers, and discussed defence, energy, and space cooperation. His visit was also aimed at revitalizing business and investment channels that had slowed due to sanctions on Russia and global supply chain disruptions.
With Putin’s expected visit to India later this year, diplomatic watchers say 2025 could see renewed momentum in India-Russia strategic cooperation—particularly in energy trade, defence equipment procurement, and space collaboration.
As of now, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not issued an official statement confirming PM Modi’s attendance, but diplomatic sources suggest final preparations are underway for his participation in the May 9 Victory Day celebrations.
