India turns down UAE proposal to showcase its air force

New Delhi India has politely turned down the United Arab Emirates' request to display its para-dropping skills at the Rajpath as part of the Republic Day parade, citing security reasons. Crown Price of UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will be the chief guest at the 2017 Republic Day parade celebrations. In response to the UAE request, the government has offered to accommodate their marching contingent in the parade. But, UAE, who is considered to be one of Pakistan's close allies, has not responded to New Delhi's refusal to its proposal. According to sources in South Block, which houses the Ministry of Defence, as Crown prince of Abu Dhabi will be the chief guest of parade, they wished their skydivers to showcase their skills at Rajpath in front of VVIPs, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Pranab Mukerjee and other dignitaries. But, the ministry of defence, which organises the event, conveyed to Abu Dhabi that the security manual does not even allow low-flying at the parade venue, citing security reasons. Only fly-past by Indian Air Force fighters and helicopters are permitted at the Rajpath. Moreover, in the presence of a high-profile gathering, the margin of error is very less as well as



hovering of an aircraft above Rajpath might be a security threat, explained a senior official. 'We have said no to their proposal as it was against the security manual. But, we can accommodat e the i r marching contingent as well as military band, similar to what we received from France last year. The French Army and band took part in the parade in the presence of President Francois Hollande,' said a senior official in South Block. Moreover, officials also fear that overcast weather conditions during parade would make the fly-past of IAF difficult. But, the UAE has not responded to New Delhi's refusal to its proposal. Crown Prince Zayad Al Nahyan will be the first leader from the Gulf at the parade since 2006 when Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud was the chief guest of Republic Day celebrations. While French President Francois Hollande was the chief guest last year, it was US President Barack Obama in 2015. Meanwhile, an air show of Indian Air Force on Tuesday enthralled the audience with various flying skills and formations, ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. However, a skydiver of Aakash Ganga suffered a sprain in his leg due to hard landing. The audience held their breath while watching the spectacle.