UAE soldiers make history by leading India’s Republic Day parade
Deep-rooted ties on view as Mohammad graces Republic Day
India’s Republic Day is an example of positive values propelling nations into greatness and the UAE’s participation in it reflects deeprooted Emirati-Indian relations, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said yesterday.
His comments came as the UAE and India celebrated their friendship in glorious fashion yesterday, with a contingent of 179 UAE soldiers creating history by marching on Rajpath in New Delhi for the first time as a part of India’s 68th Republic Day parade.
“Republic Day marks a turning point in Indian history: a political system that celebrates diversity within unified national fabric,” Shaikh Mohammad said in a series of tweets soon after the conclusion of the morning’s pageantry, where he was the chief guest. “I am very delighted and honoured to share Republic Day celebrations with the Indian people. India sends a civilised message to the rest of the world as its people — from diverse ethnicities, religions and sects celebrate in unity,” he said.
Observing that the UAE’s participation was the result of a long-standing relationship based on mutual respect and common interests, Shaikh Mohammad said: “Republic Day is an example of how positive values propel nations into greatness. This is something that we in the UAE take at heart.”
Shaikh Mohammad witnessed the hourlong parade flanked by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President Hamid Ansari.
UAE contingent
It was a proud moment for the UAE and the Arab world, with its troops comprising a mix from the army, navy and air force leading the parade. The UAE contingent was led by Brigadier Obaid Al Zahumi, while Major-General Rajesh Sahai was the second in command from the Indian side. The UAE contingent’s march was as impressive as the melodious tune of Kaptien that its band played along, prompting dozens of delighted members of the UAE delegation to rush for pictures of the historic moment. The march of the UAE contingent also met with huge applause from the crowd.
While the UAE is the second country after France to send its troops to participate in the Indian Republic Day parade, they became the first Arab troops to march on Rajpath, the historic boulevard that connects the Rashtrapati Bhavan (presidential palace) to the iconic India Gate at the heart of the Indian capital.
From a 21-gun salute that accompanied the Indian national anthem to initiate the day’s proceedings to a stunning display by motorcycle daredevils from the Indian army, the Republic Day ceremony stood out in all splendour despite the occasional drizzle and overcast skies. In a happy coincidence, a heavy downpour that drenched Delhi throughout the afternoon began moments after the conclusion of the morning’s ceremony.
The morning started with the arrival of Shaikh Mohammad and Mukherjee to the specially made enclosure on Rajpath, where Shaikh Mohammad was received by Modi. Following Republic Day protocol, Modi presented to the Chief Guest and the President the Indian minister of defence, the three military service chiefs and the defence secretary.
Following the national anthem accompanied by a 21-gun salute, a formation fly-past by Indian Air Force