Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Skip Russia’s Victory Day Parade

Quick Summary

• India’s defense Minister Rajnath Singh will not attend Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow next week, amidst rising tensions with Pakistan.
• Junior defence minister Sanjay Seth is highly likely to represent India at the event on May 9, which marks the 80th Victory Day celebration of Russia’s World War II victory.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, to the ceremony.
• Notable cross-border firing incidents reported along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K by Pakistan Army were met with proportionate retaliation from Indian forces. The exchange occurred in areas such as Kupwara,Uri,and akhnoor.
• Ceasefire violations between India and Pakistan have intensified following past incidents like the Pahalgam massacre; though, neither side has used heavier artillery like 120mm mortars or howitzers recently.
• along with land border tensions,both countries’ navies are conducting firing drills and maneuvers in the Arabian Sea.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

India’s decision for defence Minister Rajnath Singh to skip Russia’s Victory Day parade signals a calibrated diplomatic posture amid heightened military tensions with Pakistan. While maintaining its strategic ties with Russia by sending Junior Defence minister Sanjay Seth as representation for this high-profile event, new Delhi seems more focused inward on securing its volatile western borders.

The escalation of small arms fire exchanges along LoC points to fragile ceasefire conditions that continuously test regional stability.By promptly responding without resorting to heavier weaponry thus far, India demonstrates restraint coupled with readiness – a balanced military approach aimed at deterrence rather than escalation.

India’s larger geopolitical position remains multifaceted amidst these developments: juggling cross-border tensions while participating judiciously on international stages through symbolic diplomacy underscores its focus on protecting national interests while avoiding unneeded provocations globally.