Rajnath to visit Russia for Victory Day Parade

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 19

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Russia and attend the Victory Day Parade at Red Square, Moscow, on June 24.

The visit comes in the backdrop of the Indian Air Force looking to buy additional MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. The visit also comes amid a war-like situation when India and China are locked in a tense situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In addition to attending the parade, Singh will be meeting top officials of the Russian Federation, said sources.

The parade will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War-II (1939-45). India is a key ally of Russia and before that the Soviet Union.

From India, a tri-services contingent of the Indian armed forces comprising 75 personnel, led by a Colonel-rank officer, will participate in the parade. The marching contingent will be led by a Major-rank officer of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment. The Regiment had fought in the World War-II and has the distinction of earning four Battle Honours and two Military Cross amongst other gallantry awards.

Indians took part with the British Indian Armed Forces during World War-II and were one of the largest Allied Forces’ contingents, which took part in the North and East African Campaign, Western Desert Campaign and the European Theatre against the allies. More than 87,000 men lost their lives.

Linked to WW-II

• The parade will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War-II
• Indians participated in the war as part of the British Indian Armed Forces
• More than 87,000 men lost their lives