After PM Modi, Rajnath Singh may also skip Russia’s Victory Day parade amid tensions with Pakistan

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to skip Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, according to sources.

Earlier, PM Modi had also cancelled his visit to Moscow.

According to reports, Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth is now expected to represent India at the event, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War.

This comes as tensions between India and Pakistan have soared following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people, mostly Hindu men, were massacred. India has hinted at Pakistan’s role in the attack, with reports saying Pakistani nationals may have been involved in the heinous act.

Victory Day holds great importance for Russia, and many international leaders and military officials participate in its observances.

Last year, Indian Prime Minister Modi made two trips to Russia. One was for his yearly meeting with President Vladimir Putin, and the other was to attend the BRICS summit held in Kazan.

President Putin is anticipated to visit India later this year for the annual summit between the two nations.

The Russian President had previously condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to supporting India in its fight against terrorism. In his message to PM Modi, Putin expressed hope that the perpetrators of the attack “will face a deserved punishment” and reiterated Russia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with India in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

In a strong statement, Prime Minister Modi has promised to find and pursue the terrorists and those who support them “no matter where they are.” Government sources indicated that during a high-level security meeting on Tuesday, he also granted the armed forces “complete freedom to take action” in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

A concerned Pakistan, fearing a response from India, has claimed that India might launch a military strike against the country. However, Islamabad stated that it is prepared to respond to any action it considers a “misadventure” or “aggression” from New Delhi.