The Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh reached Moscow on the evening of June 22, 2020 and was received by Major General Kosenko Vasily Alexandrovich and the Indian Ambassador to Russia. The Defence Minister has gone to Russia on a three-day visit to further cement the strong and historic bonds of friendship between the two countries. This visit is likely to strengthen the long-standing special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia.

“The visit to Russia will give me an opportunity to hold talks on ways to further deepen the India-Russia defence and strategic partnership. I shall also be attending the 75th Victory Day Parade in Moscow,” Singh had tweeted.

He will also be attending the Grand Parade in Moscow to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of their victory in great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 (the Eastern Front during WWII where Russia fought against Nazi Germany). The Parade is organised to honour the heroism and sacrifices made by the Russian and other friendly people.

The Grand Parade in Moscow is held to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of their victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 (the Eastern Front during WWII where Russia fought against Nazi Germany). The Parade is done to honour the heroism and sacrifices made by the Russian and other friendly people. Defence Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Shoigu invited the Indian Defence Minister to the Victory Parade, which was originally scheduled on May 9, 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 26, 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin had made the announcement that the parade would be held on June 24, the day when the first Victory Parade took place in Moscow 75 years ago. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, army units from 19 nations have been invited to take part.

The Indian delegation led by Defence Minister, also including Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and a high-ranking officer from each of the three branches of the armed forces will attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow.

A Tri-Service 75-member Indian Military Contingent has also reached Moscow, separately, to take part in the Victory Day Parade along with Russian contingent and other invited contingents. The marching contingent taking part in the Victory Day Parade is led by a Major rank officer of the gallant Sikh Light Infantry Regiment.

A Tri-Service 75-member Indian Military Contingent has also been reported to have reached Moscow, separately, to take part in the Victory Day Parade along with Russian contingent and other invited contingents. The marching contingent taking part in the Victory Day Parade is led by a Major rank officer of the gallant Sikh Light Infantry Regiment that has fought in the World War II and has earned four Battle Honours and two Military Cross amongst other gallantry awards. The participation of India in this parade is being observed as a symbol of tribute to the great sacrifices made by Russia and other nations in the Second World War in which Indian soldiers also participated and made the supreme sacrifice.

Moscow’s Victory Day Parade is not a manifestation of Russian militarism, stated commander of Russia’s ground forces, General Oleg Salyukov. “There is no militarism at all. Even though it is indeed a show of capabilities, morale, it is perfect poise, it is a celebration for the people, primarily for veterans,” Salyukov noted.