Rajnath Singh Likely to Miss Victory Day Parade in Russia: Reports
The Victory Day celebrations in Russia, scheduled to take place on May 9, are going to be marked by the absence of a key Indian leader, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. According to recent reports, Singh is unlikely to attend the parade in Moscow, and instead, Minister of State (MoS) for Defence, Sanjay Seth, may represent India in his place.
This development comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already announced that he would not be attending the Victory Day celebrations in Russia, amidst the ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam attack. As per the initial plan, Rajnath Singh was set to represent India at the event, but it now seems that the Defence Minister may also skip the ceremony.
The Victory Day parade is a significant event in Russia, commemorating the country’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The ceremony typically involves a grand military parade, with troops marching through the streets of Moscow, accompanied by senior government officials and diplomats from around the world.
The decision to send Minister of State (MoS) for Defence, Sanjay Seth, to represent India instead of Rajnath Singh is likely to be seen as a step-down in terms of the country’s representation at the event. However, it is worth noting that the MoS for Defence is a senior official in the Defence Ministry and has played a key role in various diplomatic and defence-related activities in the past.
The decision to skip the Victory Day parade is likely to be seen as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Russian people, who have been celebrating the anniversary of their victory over Nazi Germany since 1945. The event has become an important part of Russia’s national identity, and the country’s leaders often use the occasion to make statements on international relations, national security, and other key issues.
In recent years, India has been strengthening its ties with Russia, particularly in the areas of defence and energy. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, and India has been a key partner for Russia in various international forums. The Victory Day parade is an opportunity for India to further strengthen its relationship with Russia, and the decision to send a high-ranking official to represent the country is likely to be seen as a significant gesture of goodwill.
It is worth noting that the decision to skip the Victory Day parade is not unique to India. Several other countries, including the United States and Canada, have also announced that they will not be sending their leaders to the event. The decision is likely to be seen as a diplomatic response to the ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where the Indian government has been facing criticism for its handling of the situation.
In conclusion, the reported decision to skip the Victory Day parade in Russia by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to be seen as a significant development in India’s diplomatic relations with Russia. The decision to send Minister of State (MoS) for Defence, Sanjay Seth, to represent India instead of Rajnath Singh may be seen as a step-down in terms of the country’s representation at the event, but it is likely to be seen as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Russian people.
