Abu Dhabi Crown Prince was the chief guest at 68th Republic Day – All about it

New Delhi: Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Thursday witnessed the spectacular Republic Day celebrations as the guest of honour.

He arrived in India on Tuesday and was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with open arms.

Since the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi was the Chief Guest at the function, a 149-member marching contingent from UAE was given the honour to lead the parade.

Al Nahyan, also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces, was seated next to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wore a pink color 'safa' (turban).

Leading the UAE contingent was Lt Col Abood Musabeh Abood Musabeh Alghfeli. Its personnel carrying M-16 rifle were from Presidential Guards, the Air Force, the Navy, and Army.

The UAE is the second country after France to send troops to participate in the Republic-Day parade of India, a tradition started last year.

The UAE military contingent was followed by an impressive military band of 35 musicians, dressed in white trousers and red bandh gala coat and playing delightful marching tune "Kaptien".

The UAE contingent got a formal invitation from the Indian Army to participate in the Republic Day parade about three- four weeks ago.UAE contingent got a formal invitation from the Indian Army to participate in the Republic Day parade about three- four weeks ago.

The Arab nation was initially interested in sending its paratroopers, but the Defence Ministry did not agree to it.

Senior Army officials said it was a good chance for Indian troops to interact with their UAE counterparts.

Meanwhile, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building, was lit up in the saffron, while and green of the national flag to mark the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's visit to India for Republic Day. The UAE is also home to around 2.6 million expatriate Indians.

India and the UAE on Wednesday elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while signing 14 agreements, including on energy security and defence cooperation, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Gulf nation as "an important partner in India's growth story".