Russian Visit Rescheduled: Identified Person Replacing Modi on May 9th, According to The Times of India

In the footsteps of the Moscow parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War victory, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will represent India, as stated by The Times of India's sources.

Originally, it was planned for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the festivities, who received an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Russian President Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov announced today that India will be represented at a lower level on May 9.

On May 9, Russia will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War victory. The central event of the ceremonial activities will be the parade on Red Square in Moscow. Leaders of more than 20 countries, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Venezuela, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Serbia, are expected to participate.

Just a while ago, Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry announced India's potential strike within 24-36 hours, following Modi's declaration that the Indian Ministry of Defense is "free to take decisions" on retaliation measures after the "terrorist attack in the city of Pulwama."

On February 14, militants armed with Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed attacked a bus carrying Indian security personnel in Pulwama. The attack led to the deaths of over 40 personnel and numerous injuries. The Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Pulwama attack sparked a new crisis between India and Pakistan. Indian authorities accused Pakistan of supporting "cross-border terrorism," expelled Pakistani diplomats, and suspended the Indus Water Treaty. In response, Pakistani authorities closed their airspace to Indian airlines. Pakistan denies involvement in the attack.

This turbulent relationship continues to unfold, with signs of ongoing tension and worries of broader military escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Beyond the Headlines: India-Pakistan Tensions Post-Pulwama

The Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019, instigated significant tension between India and Pakistan. The attack claimed by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed resulted in the deaths of over 40 Indian security personnel. The aftermath showcased a robust Indian response, including military airstrikes against alleged terrorist camps inside Pakistan, followed by Pakistan's retaliation.

Immediate Aftermath of Pulwama

Indian Strikes: India retaliated with airstrikes against JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan, marking the first time India crossed the Line of Control (LoC) since the 1971 war.
Retaliation and Escalation: Pakistan retaliated by shooting down an Indian jet and capturing its pilot. The crisis de-escalated after international intervention, yet tensions remained high.
Diplomatic Fallout: The incident led to heightened diplomatic tensions, with both countries expelling diplomats and suspending diplomatic relations.

Recent Developments

Recent Kashmir Attack and Ongoing Tensions

Kashmir Attack (2025): A recent militant attack in Kashmir has rekindled hostilities between India and Pakistan. The attack, one of the deadliest in years, has led to accusations and denials between the two nations.
Tit-for-Tat Measures: India and Pakistan have implemented a series of retaliatory measures, including India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan closing its airspace to Indian airlines.
Military Escalation: There have been reports of fire exchanges along the LoC and fears of broader military escalation between the two nuclear-armed adversaries.
International Calls for De-escalation: The United States and China have urged both sides to de-escalate tensions, with China calling for an independent investigation into the recent attack.

Current State of Relations

The current situation between India and Pakistan remains volatile. The recent Kashmir attack has exacerbated long-standing issues, such as terrorism, border disputes, and political distrust. Both countries continue to engage in a cycle of reprisals and counter-reprisals, increasing the risk of further conflict.

Internal Dynamics in Pakistan

Recent reports suggest internal strife within Pakistan's military establishment, with concerns over General Munir’s ambitions potentially leading to increased conflict with India. This internal division may further complicate Pakistan's handling of its relations with India.

Despite initially planning for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Moscow parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War victory, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will now represent India.
The 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War victory will be celebrated in Moscow on May 9, with leaders from more than 20 countries, including Pakistan, expected to participate.
Beyond the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is due to deliver support to events focused on politics, general news, and war-and-conflicts.
With India being represented at a lower level in Russia, the ongoing crisis between the two nuclear-armed nations, sparked by the 2019 Pulwama terrorist attack claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, continues to unfold, heightening global concerns.