Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9 in Moscow, according to a Kremlin spokesperson. While Russian officials didn't explain why, reports say the decision was influenced by security concerns after a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. India has not yet made an official statement about this.

Several international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Earlier this month, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Prime Minister Modi had received an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin for the event. However, the MEA stated that an official announcement about India's participation would be made later.

Russian state news agency TASS, citing Indian government sources, reported that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh might represent India at this year's Victory Day parade. This comes after a terrorist attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, where a group of Pakistan-based terrorists opened fire on a crowd, killing 26 people. Prime Minister Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia during the attack, had cut his visit short and returned to India.

About Victory Day

In 1945, the Soviet Army launched a decisive offensive against Germany, which culminated in the signing of the Act of Unconditional Surrender on May 9, officially ending the war in Europe. Victory Day, celebrated annually on this date, honours the sacrifices made by Soviet troops and civilians during World War II. 
With an estimated 24 million casualties, both military and civilian, the Soviet Union bore one of the heaviest losses. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and immense sacrifices made in the fight for peace and freedom.