India-Russia Strategic Partnership Strengthens Ahead of 80th Victory Day Parade
- International Affairs News On Russia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 4 minutes read
India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, is expected to attend Russia’s Victory Day Parade on May 9, 2025, marking a significant moment in both historical remembrance and contemporary diplomacy. The parade, held in Moscow’s Red Square, commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and stands as a key symbolic event in Russia’s national identity. This year’s celebration carries special importance, as it marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an invitation to attend the celebrations, he is unlikely to participate in person. Instead, Rajnath Singh’s expected presence at the event signals India’s commitment to maintaining its long-standing strategic relationship with Russia, particularly in the defence and geopolitical domains. India and Russia share a robust and time-tested strategic partnership rooted in mutual trust and cooperation. Dating back to the Cold War era, the relationship has grown stronger over the decades, particularly in defence, energy, and trade.
- Defence Cooperation: Russia has been India’s largest defence supplier for decades. India operates a large arsenal of Russian-origin equipment, including fighter jets, submarines, tanks, and missiles. Major joint ventures such as the BrahMos missile system and the licensed production of Su-30MKI fighter aircraft are testaments to this enduring cooperation.
- Energy and Trade: India has invested heavily in Russian energy projects, particularly in the oil and gas sectors. Bilateral trade continues to expand, with efforts underway to diversify trade beyond defence and energy.
- Diplomatic Coordination: Both nations maintain regular high-level engagements, and their leaders often meet on the sidelines of international forums such as BRICS, SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), and the G20.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s anticipated visit to Moscow is not his first in recent memory. In December 2024, he travelled to Russia for the commissioning of the INS Tushil, a frigate built for the Indian Navy, in Kaliningrad. During that visit, he paid tribute at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in Moscow, a gesture of solidarity and respect for Russia’s wartime legacy. His expected attendance at the 2025 Victory Day parade would further solidify India’s defence diplomacy. It is a clear signal that New Delhi values its partnership with Moscow, even as it broadens its strategic engagements with the West.
President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a stable working relationship characterized by mutual respect and strategic dialogue. Their engagements, whether in person or through virtual summits, consistently emphasize deepening ties across sectors.
Putin is scheduled to visit India later in 2025, following an invitation extended by Modi. This reciprocal visit is part of an ongoing framework of annual summits between the two countries and is expected to include discussions on: Expanding defence industrial cooperation, Deepening trade relations, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and energy, Addressing regional security concerns, especially in the Indo-Pacific and Central Asia. This visit is anticipated to yield several bilateral agreements and reaffirm both nations’ commitment to maintaining a multipolar global order.
Beyond its military showcase, the Victory Day Parade serves as an important diplomatic event. Leaders and officials attending the ceremony are often involved in bilateral discussions, reinforcing ties and addressing current challenges. Singh’s participation may include meetings with his Russian counterparts and possibly with other foreign dignitaries attending the event. This would provide a platform for India to discuss regional security concerns, promote defence partnerships, and further India’s own strategic interests. While India-Russia relations remain strong, they are not without challenges. The Ukraine conflict, Western sanctions on Russia, and Russia’s increasing tilt toward China pose complex diplomatic balancing acts for India. However, New Delhi has so far successfully navigated this terrain by maintaining principled neutrality and emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy. At the same time, India’s growing defence ties with the United States and other Western powers through initiatives like the Quad have prompted questions about the future of India-Russia cooperation. Nonetheless, India appears committed to preserving its long-standing relationship with Russia while simultaneously pursuing broader international engagements.