Big Parade, Power Optics

Putin-Kim tableau, with Kim Ju Ae's debut and 'immortality' bot-mic stealing the show.

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Indian officials, viewed the event as China's victory and declined to give it consideration. Japan is a close partner for India and members of the security dialogue between the US and Australia appearing at a military parade triumph over what have been awkward ties. The Indian PM, after a warm visit earlier, chose to skip the parade entirely. Simmering tensions between India and Russia have been exacerbated by a deadly clash in 2020 and repeated standoffs in 2023. While China hinted at negotiations, Modi's remarks underscored the difference in how giants view the future relationship. India also brings a Western tenor of cooperation. Many summits (consisting of China and Russia) are in opposition to U.S. policies. Modi's approach is facing its own challenges with Washington, unwilling to isolate either side's influence. India is cooperating with Europe - cooperating with China and Russia, like the SCO but keeping a distance to avoid unnecessary partnerships with Japan, and other countries. Skipping the parade was a move by Modi to signal that India is not signing up for a new Cold War-style bloc, with Putin and Kim in the front.