Overview

• A memorial plaque honoring Biju Patnaik’s contributions during World War II was unveiled at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi on May 7, 2025.
• Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, attended the plaque unveiling and expressed gratitude for the recognition of his father’s wartime efforts.
• Biju Patnaik, a pilot in the Stalingrad Operation, supplied weapons to the besieged Soviet Red Army during the pivotal battle of World War II.
• The Russian Embassy invited Naveen Patnaik to its May 9 Victory Day reception, where he will formally accept the honor on behalf of his late father.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will serve as the chief guest at the May 9 event, commemorating 80 years since the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War.