New Delhi, May 15 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft was escorted by United Arab Emirates Air Force F-16 fighter jets ahead of his arrival in Abu Dhabi on Friday. As Modi began the first leg of his five-nation visit on 15 May, the UAE Air Force's Block 60 "Desert Falcon" jets reportedly escorted his aircraft shortly after it entered the country's airspace in a gesture seen as a mark of diplomatic honour.

The BJP's official X handle shared a video of the welcome received by the 75-year-old leader, saying the escort reflected the deepening ties and mutual respect between India and the UAE.

"In a striking gesture of diplomatic honor, UAE F-16 fighter jets escorted PM Modi's aircraft upon entering UAE airspace, underscoring the prof...