Kevin Pietersen says England will stand shoulder to shoulder with Indian cricket team after the Mumbai attacks.
"It's fantastic the guys want to go and rub shoulders together with India at a time of need," said Pietersen.
The first of two Tests is scheduled to take place in Chennai from 11 December.
"It's a huge stance by this England team to jump on the plane and go and do the business."
Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid, 20, was a late addition to the back-up "performance" squad of nine, meaning a total of 23 England players were on the flight to the United Arab Emirates.
Once they have reached Abu Dhabi, the squad will await security reports before travelling to India on Monday.
