1.1967404-1089182222
Shaikh Mohammad greets Narendra Modi as Pranab Mukherjee watches at the start of the Republic Day Parade on Rajpath in New Delhi on Thursday. Image Credit: WAM

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces was in India as Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations.

The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950. India celebrated its 68th Republic Day on Thursday with a military parade at the Rajpath, or “King’s Way”, the ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi.  Scroll down to read and watch the events as they unveiled....

State visit concludes

The State Visit of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to India from 24th to 26th January as the Chief Guest of India's 68th Republic Day celebrations marked a momentous occasion in relations between India and the UAE, said a joint statement at the conclusion of Shaikh Mohammad's visit to India.

The statement added that the strong bonds of friendship between UAE and India have found clear expression in the series of high-level bilateral visits between the two countries in the past two years, noting that the visit afforded a timely opportunity to both Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further build upon their close and regular consultations which began in August 2015.
Read more

Thursday

12.48.pm

Watch: Shaikh Mohammad bin Zayed attends the Republic Day parade in India with delegates from the UAE. #MarhabaHindustan 

Watch: Indian black cat commandos march during the Indian Republic Day parade. Video by Chiranjib Sengupta/Gulf News

Watch: Republic Day parade in India — Tableaus, brass band, tanks and more. Video by Chiranjib Sengupta/Gulf News 

12.03pm

Historic bond celebrated

Chiranjib Sengupta is reporting from India on Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit. 

India and the UAE celebrated the bonds of their historic friendship in glorious fashion this morning, with a contingent of 179 UAE soldiers marching on Rajpath for the first time as a part of India's 68th Republic Day parade.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was the Chief Guest for the occasion, witnessed the parade flanked by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It was a historic and 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 Brig 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 delightful tune of Kaptien that the band played along. 

From a 21-gun salute that accompanied the Indian national anthem to initiate the day's proceedings to a stunning display by motor cycle daredevils from the Indian army, the Republic Day ceremony stood out in all its splendour despite the occasional drizzle and overcast skies.

The morning started with the arrival of Shaikh Mohammad and Mukherjee to the specially-made enclosure on Rajpath — the arterial highway on New Delhi that connects the presidential palace to the India Gate. Shaikh Mohammad was received by Modi and following Republic Day protocol, he presented to the Chief Guest and the President the Indian ministers of defence, the three military service chiefs and the defence secretary.

Following the national anthem, three helicopters flew past in a formation, unfurling the Indian flag.

A march by various army columns, specially the mechanised ones displaying the Bhishma T-90 tanks and the Brahmos and Akash missile defence systems drew gasps of amazement from the thousands of people who had gathered since early in the morning, among them several UAE ministers, top officials, business delegates and other dignitaries from the country.

In a series of tweets, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed applauded the decades-old special friendship between the UAE and India. 

“I am very delighted and honored 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. The UAE is the second country after France to send its troops to participate in the Indian Republic Day parade. 

Among the highlights of the spectacular ceremony were a march by the BSF Camel Contingent – the world’s only camel-mounted armed forces, enchanting tableaux from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu showcasing traditional folk dances of the states, a display of Yak dance from Arunachal Pradesh, an enticing musical serenade by the Goan tableau and a stunning display of skills by the Indian army’s motorcycle daredevils.     

In typical Republic Day fashion, India also showcased several government initiatives in the social, industrial and technology sectors through innovative tableaux displays, such as the Clean India Green India initiative, the 75th anniversary of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Save the Girl Child campaign by the Haryana government and the Prime Minister’s Urban Housing scheme.

Earlier, a steady drizzle failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who began assembling around the boulevard from early morning. A massive security lockdown was in place since Wednesday night, with policemen and special forces from Delhi Police fanning out throughout the city to keep a watchful eye. Posters notifying the public of the closure of key roads, traffic diversions and rules for the temporary security protocol were posted on every street corner and junction, as ubiquitous as the flags of the UAE around the key streets and landmarks of Delhi. But despite the long queues for the general public to enter and the downpour, the crowd seemed to enjoy every moment of a carnival atmosphere.

11.49am

Watch: Crowd gathers for Republic Day Parade in India. Video by Chiranjib Sengupta/Gulf News

Watch: Republic Day tableau in New Delhi, India. Video by Chiranjib Sengupta/Gulf News

Watch: Scenes from the Republic Day Parade in India where Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed is the chief guest. #MarhabaHindustan#UAE_IndiaDosti

Watch: Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed arrives for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India. Video by Chiranjib Sengupta/Gulf News

Watch: #UAE troops march during the Indian Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India.

11.01am

There’s a great cultural display alongside a military parade during the Republic Day event across India today.

It marks the 68th year after the Constitution of India first came into force on January 26, 1950.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, chief guest of the event, says India sends a civilised message to the rest of the world as its people — from diverse ethnicities, religions and sects — celebrate in unity.

10.56am

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chief guest at the 68th Republic Day in India, notes that the event — which displays the various cultural traditions as well as the military prowess of the South Asian powerhouse — is a celebration of unity amidst diversity. 

10.44am

Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is in New Delhi to attend the 68th Republic Day of India, on Thursday exults the positive values that build great nations.

“Republic Day is an example of how positive values propel nations into greatness. This is something that we in the UAE takes at heart,” he wrote in a tweet.

 

 10.08am

Mohammad Bin Zayed expresses delight and honour in sharing the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, adding that the UAE’s participation reflects the deeply rooted UAE-Indian relations, one that is based on the firm foundation of mutual respect and common interests.

Mohammad Bin Zayed conveys Shaikh Khalifa and UAE's people greetings to the Indian people and government on the occasion of 68th Republic Day.

8.38am

India is celebrating its 68th Republic Day today with a military parade at the Rajpath, or “King’s Way”, the ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi. 

The chief guest this year is His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Here’s live coverage of the Republic Day event from India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting:

8.26am

Shaikh Mohammad arrives at the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest

7.58am

Gulf News continues its live coverage of Shaikh Mohammad's visit to India as the country celebrates Republic Day.

Read:  India and the UAE: Envisioning a Partnership for the Future

Wednesday

12.10pm

Excerpts from Modi’s speech:

“We regard UAE as an important partner in India’s growth story. His Highness and I discussed ways to transform our energy ties in a strategic direction through specific projects and proposals.

We have agreed to expand our useful cooperation in the field of defence to new areas including in the maritime domain.

We also feel that our growing engagement in countering violence and extremism is necessary for securing our societies.

His Highness and I believe that our closer ties are of importance, not just to both our countries, but to the entire neighbourhood.

Our energy partnership, is an important bridge in our linkages. It contributes to our energy security.

Moving forward, our cooperation stands poised for a major take off, its future marked by depth, drive & diversification of our partnership." 

WATCH: India's PM Narendra Modi speaks

 

 

WATCH: India's PM Narendra Modi and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the signing of the MOUs

WATCH: India's PM Narendra Modi and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the signing of the MOUs

 

11.50am

UAE, India announce bilateral pacts 

UAE and India sign 14 MoUs, including a comprehensive strategic partnership, maritime cooperation 

 

 

 

11.40am

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed and Indian PM Narendra Modi lead delegation level talks at Hyderabad House. 

 

 

11.15am

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed and Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House Garden. 

 

 

10.20am

Hyderabad House ready for the meeting 

 

 

10.10am

Mohammad Bin Zayed meets PM Modi before formal delegation level talks.

 

 

9.50am

Shaikh Mohamed Bin Zayed watered two Trees of Friendship at Lodhi Gardens. One was planted by late Shaikh Zayed, the other one planted by Mohammad Bin Zayed on his earlier visit. 

WATCH: Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan waters two 'Trees of Friendship' at Lodhi Gardens in New Delhi

9.30am

Mohammad Bin Zayed vists Raj Ghat, the tomb of Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi.

 

 

 

9.00am

Mohammad inspects Guard of Honour

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan inspected a spectacular Guard of Honour on Wednesday at the Indian presidential palace, in the presence of Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dozens of ministers and top officials from both sides.

Mohammad Bin Zayed arrived at the forecourt of the imposing Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential residence, exactly at 10am to the sounds of a cannon salute. 

 

Among those attending the ceremony from the UAE side were Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, Minister of State and Special Envoy for Energy and Climate Change; Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Federal National Council Affairs; Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State and Managing Director of the Higher Committee for Hosting the World Expo 2020; Sultan Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, and other senior officials.

From the Indian side, Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan all greeted Mohammad Bin Zayed, who is the chief guest for Thursday Republic Day programme. 

8.10am

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has arrived at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi where his official welcoming ceremony is being held.

 

 

The high-level delegation led by Shaikh Mohammad arrived on Tuesday in New Delhi on a three-day state visit. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister Modi.

India is looking forward to further strengthening the historical ties with UAE, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his tweet.

 

Shaikh Mohamed Bin Zayed tweeted on arrival in India:  

 

 

 

 

 

Shaikh Mohammad will be the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations and a 200-member strong UAE military contingent will lead the ceremonial parade on January 26.

On Wednesday, Shaikh Mohammad will meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi.

The two sides are likely to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on an investment fund during the visit, a senior Indian official said on Tuesday in New Delhi.

 

1.1967404-2350000963
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, PM Narendra Modi wave to the crowd as Shaikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan looks on as they leave after attending the 68th Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath in New Delhi on Thursday. Image Credit: PTI
1.1967404-2040396600
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (centre) meets officials as he arrives for India's 68th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26, 2017. Image Credit: AFP
1.1967404-3949481119
An Indian army tanks roll down Rajpath during Republic Day parade. Image Credit: AP
1.1967404-72191934
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed and India's PM Modi during the 68th Republic Day parade. Image Credit: Screengrab
1.1967404-44307916
Modern-day weaponry on display during India's 68th Republic Day. Image Credit: Screengrab
1.1967404-256264816
Members of the UAE delegation attend at the Republic Parade in New Delhi on Thursday. Image Credit: Chiranjib Sengupta / Gulf News
1.1967404-4086797276
A view along the Rajpath ceremonial boulevard during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Thursday. Image Credit: Chiranjib Sengupta / Gulf News
1.1967404-1571537897
Indian soldiers march during a Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017. Image Credit: AP
1.1967404-2889699784
Indian soldiers march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017. Image Credit: AP
1.1967404-4285680529
A family watches the Republic Day events by the Rajpath, or “King’s Way”, the ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi. Image Credit: Screengrab
1.1967404-705517022
India’s Republic Day also celebrates various cultural influences that together make up a unified country. Image Credit: Screengrab
1.1967404-1271723250
A cultural show during the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi, Thursday. Image Credit: Screengrab
1.1967404-372943234
The event also showcases India's cultural diversity, making Indians proud of their roots amidst modernity. Image Credit: Screengrab
1.1967404-2820027947
A marching band during the the Republic Day parade at Rajpath, or “King’s Way”, on Thursday in New Delhi. Image Credit: Screengrab
1.1967404-1059268943
India’s military hardware on display during the the Republic Day parade at Rajpath, or “King’s Way”, the ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi on Thursday. Image Credit: Screengrab
1.1967404-2737274333
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed and India PM Modi issuing a joint press statement Image Credit: AFP
1.1967404-123808209
PM Modi and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan lead delegation level talks in New Delhi Image Credit: Twitter
1.1967404-3834054413
PM Modi welcomes Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi Image Credit: AFP
Image Credit:
1.1967404-3245084640
Mohammad Bin Zayed meets PM Modi before formal delegation level talks Image Credit: Twitter
1.1967404-2632862606
Modi and Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan interact at the Hyderabad House Garden in New Delhi Image Credit: Twitter
1.1967404-2603921942
Mohammad Bin Zayed vists Raj Ghat, the tomb of Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi Image Credit: Twitter
1.1967404-810092094
Shaikh Mohamamd Bin Zayed inspects a guard of hohour Image Credit: Twitter
1.1967404-1808265901
Shaikh Mohamamd Bin Zayed received by President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Image Credit: twiiter
1.1967404-220802958
Shaikh Mohamamd Bin Zayed received by President Pranab Mukherjee and PM Narendra Modi Image Credit: Twitter
1.1967404-285712845
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed is being received at the airport by India PM Narendra Modi. Image Credit: WAM
View gallery as list