Overview

• Naveen Patnaik has accepted an invitation from the Russian Embassy to attend commemorative events on May 7 and 9 in New Delhi.
• The events honor Biju Patnaik’s contributions as a pilot who supplied weapons to the Red Army during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to be the Chief Guest at the ceremony on May 9, observed as Victory Day in Russia.
• A marble plaque commemorating Indian WWII heroes, including Biju Patnaik, will be unveiled during the two-day event.
• The recognition highlights India’s historical ties with Russia and the enduring legacy of Biju Patnaik’s wartime heroics.