The Indian Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State Defence), Shri Sanjay Seth, during his two-day diplomatic visit to Moscow, Russia, attended the 80th Victory Day celebrations. He visited the country on the 8th and 9th of May 2025, and on the 9th, he attended the significant event that marked eight decades since the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945), a decisive front of the Second World War.
The Victory Day celebrations also witnessed high-level participation from several countries. This highlights the enduring legacy of the Allied forces’ triumph over fascism. The presence of the Indian Raksha Rajya Mantri during the commemorative event also reflects the deep-rooted and time-tested Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership that these two countries share.
Raksha Rajya Mantri At The 80th Victory Day Commemoration
The two-day official visit served as the beacon of the enduring Indo-Russian partnership, which has remained resilient in the face of changing geopolitical landscapes. As such, the presence of the Indian Raksha Rajya Mantri during the Victory Day Celebration underscores India’s continued recognition of the historic sacrifices made by the Soviet people during World War II.
In a solemn ceremony, Shri Sanjay Seth first laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Kremlin Wall, paying homage to the millions who perished during the conflict. He then joined the international delegates to witness the meticulously orchestrated Victory Day Parade, which featured advanced military hardware and personnel showcasing Russia’s defense capabilities.
Later, he called upon the Russian President, Mr Vladimir Putin, and extended heartfelt congratulations on the 80th Victory Day.
“India’s participation in the Victory Day celebrations reflects our longstanding special and privileged strategic partnership with the Russian Federation.” – A Ministry of Defence Official
Bilateral Engagements on Multifaceted Military And Military Technical Cooperation
After meeting with the Russian President, Shri Sanjay Seth also held bilateral meetings with the Russian Deputy Defence Minister, Colonel General Alexander Fomin. The meeting gave both countries a chance to reaffirm the strategic importance they place on their bilateral relationship. During the meeting, Raksha Rajya Mantri first expressed India’s continued gratitude for consistent support from Russia, especially in combating state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. The meeting then evolved into a serious discussion regarding multifaceted military and military technical cooperation.
During the meeting, both nations agreed to further enhance the defense ties within the established institutional mechanisms. They also signaled that both sides will continue to hold regular consultations and enhance cooperation in the evolving situation. Just earlier this year, both countries held a bilateral naval exercise INDRA, highlighting the long-term strategic relationship between the two nations.
As the meeting concluded, the ministers also deliberated on the evolving regional security landscape and affirmed their commitment to maintaining regular consultations. Both sides recognized the importance of adapting their defense partnership to address evolving security challenges through increased interoperability and joint military exercises such as INDRA, the bilateral tri-services exercise.
Meeting The Indian Community At The Embassy
To conclude his visit, the Raksha Rajya Mantri also engaged with the prominent members of the Indian diaspora in Russia at the Embassy of India in Moscow. The interaction server highlights the importance of people-to-people connections that complement the strategic bilateral relationship between nations.
The Indian Raksha Rajya Mantri’s visit seems to come at a time when the global security environment is in turmoil. However, the visit will serve as India’s testament to a balanced approach when it comes to maintaining its international relations and also its commitment to its longstanding strategic partners. Experts even suggest that the visit will only further the momentum in Indo-Russian defense cooperation. Also, with the follow-up technical meetings that are expected in the coming months, the understanding reached during the bilateral meeting will be further operationalized.
