Key points
- India closes airspace to Pakistan airlines amid rising tensions
- Russia had extended an official invitation to PM Modi
- Victory Day celebrations to mark 80 years since Soviet victory
ISLAMABAD: Amid high tensions with Pakistan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not visit Moscow to attend Russia’s Victory Day Parade.
Pakistan and India are on the brink of another full-fledged conflict and diplomatic relations between the arch-rivals are at their lowest in years.
Russia had extended an official invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the May 9 victory Day celebrations in Moscow, marking 80 years since the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
However, the Indian media reported that Prime Minister Modi will not be attending the celebrations.
“Friendly nations”
Russia had also invited leaders from several other “friendly nations” to participate in this year’s commemorative parade, a key annual event showcasing the country’s military and historical legacy.
Several other international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to come to Russia for events to mark the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Prime Minister Modi last visited Russia in July 2024, his first trip to the country in nearly five years. During that visit, he held extensive discussions with President Vladimir Putin and invited him to visit India. Putin accepted the invitation, although the dates of his visit have not been disclosed.
Visit postponed
Additionally, Indian President Murmu’s proposed visit to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, has been postponed.
According to the PTI news agency, officials said on Wednesday that India has also closed airspace to Pakistan airlines amid rising tensions.
On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The top US diplomat urged both sides to exercise restraint and cooperation in investigations into the Pahalgam incident.
