Russia remains grateful for India’s contribution in the Second World War (WWII), said the Russian Ambassador to India as he called on all countries, including India, to “stay united” against “hidden geopolitical agendas”, in a special message issued on “Victory Day” (V-Day) to mark the end of the WWII in 1945. The Russian statement also came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s travel this month to Tokyo to attend the Quad summit and a possible visit to Germany in June for the G-7 meet, where the U.S. and its allies are expected to increase pressure over India’s stand on Russia and Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has, however, said that India’s stand on Ukraine, and its attempt at presenting a neutral stance has not changed “one bit” so far.
“Russia stands ready to respond to any threat to its national security,” Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov said, according to a statement released by the Embassy in Delhi. “We call on all countries to stay united against double standards, hypocrisy in international relations and hidden geopolitical agendas,” he added, in a veiled reference to Ukraine, where Russia has been targeted by Western countries for continuing an invasion since February 24, which includes bombing of civilian targets.
In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the Victory Day or “Pobeda” military parade, where he claimed Russian forces would win in Ukraine the way they had in WWII against Nazi forces.
