Web Desk
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh left for a three-day visit to Russia on June 22. Mr. Singh is likely to discust the India-Russia defence and strategic partnership during visit and also attend a military parade in Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War. Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar is also accompanying the Minister.
The visit comes days after the violent face-off with China in which 20 army men were killed in Galwan Valley in Ladakh. Russia is one of the important strategic partners of India.
Before he left, the Defence Minister tweeted, “Leaving for Moscow on a three-day visit. The visit to Russia will give me an opportunity to hold talks on ways to further deepen the India –Russia defence and strategic partnership. I shall also be attending the 75th Victory Day Parade in Moscow.”
A 75-member Indian military contingent is already in the Russian capital. Its marching contingent will be led by a Major-rank officer of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment. The Sikh Light Infantry Regiment is known to have fought in World War II and earned four Battle Honours and two Military Cross among other gallantry awards. In 2015, a 75-member Army contingent from the Grenadiers regiment took part in the military parade in Moscow during Victory Day Celebrations. The event was attended by former President Pranab Mukherjee.
Armed forces personnel of 11 countries, including India and China, will be marching at the parade, which was scheduled to take place on May 9 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
