Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will not attend Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9, 2025, due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly terror attack against tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Instead, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth is expected to represent India at the Moscow event.
Russia had initially invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, but it was later decided that Rajnath Singh would attend in his place. However, the recent escalation in Indo-Pakistani tensions, including diplomatic expulsions, border closures, and military posturing after the Pahalgam attack, led to a further downgrade in India’s representation at the event.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, including tourists and a local, triggered a severe diplomatic and military crisis between India and Pakistan, with both countries exchanging sharp rhetoric and taking reciprocal punitive measures. In response to the attack, Russia expressed condolences to the people and government of India and reaffirmed its solidarity with India in combating terrorism.