Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend 75th Victory Day Parade in Moscow

Vinay Shukla

DishaMoscow – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is arriving in Moscow to attend the Victory Parade on June 24, 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War. The Parade is organised to honour the heroism and sacrifices made by the Russian and other friendly people. Defence Minister of the Russian Federation General Sergey Shoigu has invited his Indian counterpart to the Victory Parade, which was originally scheduled on May 9, 2020 was to be attended by PM Narendra Modi but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Singh, who is leaving for Moscow on Monday, will be accompanied by high lvele defence officials and is expected to discuss some crucial military acquisitions with the Russian officials on Tuesday. His visit acquires special significance on the backdrop of bloody events on LAC in Ladakh due to Chinese encroachment.

Meanwhile, a Tri-Service 75- Member Indian Military Contingent has already reached Moscow to participate in the Victory 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. The Regiment had fought with valour in the World War II and has proud distinction of earning four Battle Honours and two Military Cross amongst other gallantry awards, PIB release noted. 

The Indian participation in the Victory Day parade will be a mark 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 supreme sacrifice.