MoS Defence Sanjay Seth to attend Moscow Victory Day event on May 9

Amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has opted out of representing India at the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day to be held in Moscow on May 9.

Rajnath’s deputy, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will represent India at the parade in Russia, sources in the ministry said. Earlier, India had informed the Russian authorities that Rajnath Singh would be attending the event.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the Victory Day celebration at the Red Square in Moscow.

While Jinping had confirmed that he will attend the event, India wanted to send Rajnath Singh. This has been changed due to the dynamically changing scenario.

Moscow is preparing to host about 20 foreign leaders.

Russia has declared a ceasefire in Ukraine on May 8-10 for World War II Victory Day. May 9 marks the allied nations' victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.