India and Russia marked 78 years of diplomatic relations with a cycle rally held in New Delhi on Sunday, drawing over 300 participants in a vibrant celebration of friendship and historical partnership.
The event was also organised to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, a significant milestone in the country’s history.
According to the Russian Embassy in India, the rally reflected the enduring bond between the two nations and celebrated their long-standing cooperation.
Taking to social media, Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, extended warm greetings on the occasion. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said,
“Warm greetings to our Indian friends on the 78th anniversary of Russia-India diplomatic relations! Our unwavering friendship, mutual respect and strategic partnership are a matter of pride for us. We are committed to taking these precious relations to new heights. Hail Russia, Hail India!”
The Russian Embassy highlighted the broad nature of Indo-Russian cooperation, which spans politics, trade, technology, science, education and culture.
It noted that both countries are actively working together on a range of major projects, including investment initiatives, transport infrastructure, nuclear energy and space exploration.
Key areas of collaboration also include energy security and military-technical cooperation.
The Embassy’s statement underlined that the increasing pace of high-level visits and record trade turnover were clear indicators of the deepening ties between the two nations. It also noted that tourism, business partnerships and academic exchanges were growing steadily.
“India and Russia share a history of fruitful state interaction and centuries of genuine friendship. Our responsibility is to protect and enrich this legacy,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an invitation to participate in Russia’s Victory Day celebrations next month. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Our Prime Minister has received an invitation to participate in the Victory Day celebrations. We will be announcing our participation at the appropriate time.”
Russian media outlet TASS had earlier reported that both Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh might attend the celebrations in Moscow, marking the 80th anniversary of the Russian victory in the Great Patriotic War.
The participation of an Indian armed forces ceremonial detachment in the Red Square parade is also reportedly being discussed.
In a related development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, while addressing the first international conference titled ‘Russia and India: Towards a New Agenda for Bilateral Relations’ on 27 March, confirmed that preparations are underway for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India.
He stated that the political dialogue between the two nations continues to grow, driven by shared views on a multipolar world order.
Lavrov remarked, “Relations between our countries have a long history. It can be said that they have stood the test of time more than once. Today, Russia and India are developing equal cooperation based on sincere, mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who also addressed the conference, highlighted that India-Russia relations have remained strong even amidst global shifts. He said that enhancing the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” remains a key foreign policy priority for both sides.
“Our diplomatic engagements continue to be marked by frequent high-level exchanges, robust institutional mechanisms and a commitment to each other’s core interests,” Jaishankar stated.
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