India To Send Unprecedented Tri-Services Contingent To Participate In Russia’s Victory Day Parade

In a major display of strong all-weather ties, India, for the first time is set to send a tri-services contingent comprising members of all three armed forces services to Russia to partake in the Victory Day parade at Moscow's Red Square, reports Times of India.

Earlier, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was himself set to fly to Moscow on an invitation by President Vladimir Putin extended during their meeting in Vladivostok from last year. He was supposed to be a special guest at the celebrations. However, given the circumstances, the Government is hoping to make up for PM Modi's inability to attend the celebrations by sending in an unprecedented tri-services contingent.

The contingent comprising of about 75-80 personnel will depart for Moscow on 19 June. Prior to this, in 2015, India had participated in the Victory Day parade for the first time ever, but then, the participation had been restricted to a contingent of the Indian Army.

The parade which is held every year on 9 May marks the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. However, owing to the pandemonium unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year, the parade was postponed.