Moscow – In a significant diplomatic gesture, Russia has officially invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 80th anniversary of Victory Day on May 9, 2025 — a day that marks the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.
The invitation was confirmed by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko, who told reporters that Moscow is actively working to facilitate the Indian Prime Minister’s visit. “We have sent an invitation to Prime Minister Modi. Work is underway on the visit. We hope it will take place this year,” Rudenko said.
What is Victory Day and Why May 9 Matters
Victory Day commemorates Germany’s unconditional surrender to the Soviet Union on May 9, 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. It is a deeply symbolic national holiday in Russia, marked by a massive military parade in Moscow’s Red Square. This year’s celebration is especially important as it marks the 80th anniversary.
🇮🇳 Modi-Putin Diplomatic Engagements Continue
PM Modi’s potential participation comes amid growing engagement between New Delhi and Moscow. The Indian Prime Minister last visited Russia in July 2024, ending a five-year hiatus. Before that, he had visited Vladivostok in 2019 for an economic summit.
Modi has also extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit India, which he has accepted. Dates for that visit, however, are still under wraps.
Despite shifting global alliances and India’s deepening ties with the West, Modi and Putin remain in regular contact, with phone calls and personal meetings at various international forums.
Why This Visit Matters
With global geopolitics in flux, PM Modi’s potential presence in Moscow could send a powerful signal of India’s continued strategic autonomy — maintaining relationships with both Russia and the West. It would also underscore India’s role as a balancing force in a world increasingly divided by Cold War-style tensions.
Whether Modi attends the parade or not, one thing is clear: India-Russia relations remain strong, and this invitation only confirms that the dialogue between Delhi and Moscow is far from cooling down.
