In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, Rajnath Singh is unlikely to travel to Moscow for the Victory Day parade, sources said on Friday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to skip Russia’s Victory Day celebrations scheduled for May 9 in Moscow, defence sources said on Friday.
The development comes after it was reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the Victory Day Parade next week, in light of the Pahalgam terror attack, and that the Defence Minister would represent India instead.
However, sources now indicate that the Minister of State (MoS) for Defence, Sanjay Seth, may represent India in place of Singh.
The Victory Day Parade in Moscow marks the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Russia had extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend the parade.
Since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Prime Minister has chaired a number of key security meetings with various officials, including the tri-services chiefs. He has also chaired two Cabinet Committee on Security meetings within a week, followed by a Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs meeting and a Cabinet meeting this week.
What Is Victory Day Parade In Moscow?
The Moscow Victory Day Parade is a major military event held every year on May 9th in Red Square as part of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. It is an important and symbolic show of the Russian Armed Forces, with President Vladimir Putin usually attending and giving a speech. The parade is a key part of how Russia honors its military strength and history.