In a special gesture, a formation of F-16 fighter aircraft from theUnited Arab Emirates(UAE) escorted Prime MinisterNarendra Modi's plane when it entered the Gulf country's airspace on Friday. As the aircraft carrying PM Modi entered the UAE airspace, it was met by a formation of military aircraft, the state-run WAM news agency reported.
"The way your air force escorted me today is an honour for the people of India. For quite some time, we had been speaking over the phone, but I was eager to meet you personally. I am very happy to meet you today," Modi told UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed during their meeting.
The squadron leader reportedly requested permission to escort the aircraft to the airport in a gesture of welcome.
PM Modi, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on a brief visit on the first leg of his five-nation tour that also includes four European countries, was also accorded a ceremonial welcome on arrival.
India is ready to extend all possible support to bring peace in West Asia, PM Modi said on Friday during his talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We condemned the attacks on the UAE, the Prime Minister said in his opening remarks in the meeting with the UAE leader.
The UAE, which hosts a prominent US military base, has been at the receiving end of Iranian strikes during the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.
PM Modi further said, "The way UAE has been targeted is not acceptable" but "the way UAE has handled the current situation with restraint is praiseworthy."
The prime minister highlighted how the impact of the West Asian conflict is being felt globally, adding, "India is ready to extend all possible support to bring peace in West Asia.
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