UAE Fighter Jets Provide Escort to PM Modi’s Aircraft
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Air India One entered the UAE airspace on Friday, a special gesture awaited him.
Symbolic of the close ties between Delhi and Abu Dhabi, UAE F-16 fighter jets were seen escorting PM Modi’s aircraft. The same F-16 Block 60 ‘Desert Falcon’ fighters, operated by the UAE Air Force, were recently seen in action as they took down drones and projectiles fired by Iran during its conflict with the US and Israel.
UAE, which has been embroiled in the Middle East conflict, was PM Modi’s first stop in his five-nation tour. As PM Modi’s Air India One entered the UAE airspace, two F-16 jets were seen accompanying the aircraft as it landed in Abu Dhabi.
At the airport, PM Modi was given a ceremonial welcome before he sat down with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) for a bilateral meeting.
“It is a reflection of the deep strategic partnership, trust, and personal warmth shared between the leadership of India and the UAE,” BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya tweeted. The BJP said the gesture underscored the profound global respect and strengthening of ties between the nations.
PM Modi’s eighth visit to the UAE comes at a time when Abu Dhabi has been in the thick of the ongoing Iran war. The UAE has faced over 2,500 drones and missiles from Iran, most of which have been intercepted.
During his meeting with MBZ, the Prime Minister thanked him for the special gesture and called the UAE his “second home”. In fact, the UAE is home to over 4 million Indians, the largest number among the Gulf countries.
“Your Air Force jets escorted me today. This is an honour to the people of India,” PM Modi said during his brief stopover. The Prime Minister also underlined that the manner in which the UAE was targeted was “unacceptable”.
“India stands shoulder to shoulder with the UAE in every situation,” PM Modi said.
Much of the discussion between the two sides centred on energy cooperation. The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the global energy chokepoint, by Iran has led to a crucial shortage of oil, LNG and LPG supplies. India, which imports almost 85% of its oil, has faced the brunt of the Middle East conflict.