
No Russia visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is under planning for May, said Indian government sources, after Russian state media reports said he might attend the Victory Day Parade in Moscow.
Russian state-run news agency TASS had reported earlier on Wednesday (Feb 26) that PM Modi is likely to attend the May 9 Victory Day parade to be held at Moscow's Red Square to mark the nation's 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Citing a source in military circles in New Delhi, TASS reported that the visit will take place "with high probability".
"It is highly likely that it will take place," the agency quoted a source as saying.
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin press secretary, had earlier said that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be happy to welcome leaders of major countries to Moscow on May 9. So far, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has confirmed a trip to Russia in May.
The Moscow Victory Day Parade is an annual military parade of the Russian Armed Forces on Moscow's Red Square. The parade commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II in 1945.
The parade is attended by the President of Russia, who serves as the guest of honour and keynote speaker. It features a grand display of military might, with thousands of troops, tanks, aircraft and other military equipment participating. The event also includes a fly-past by the Russian Air Force and a march-past by various military units and contingents.
The Victory Day Parade is a symbol of Russia's pride in its military history and its role in defeating Nazi Germany. It's also an opportunity for Russia to showcase its military capabilities and strengthen its national identity.
(With inputs from agencies)