The Chandigarh golf had birdies on first, second, sixth and eighth holes.
McIlroy's playing partner Tiger Woods carded even par 72, while Jamie Donaldson shot a five-under 67 to claim the clubhouse lead as more than half the field was yet to finish.
The only Indian to finish was SSP Chowrasia, who shot one-over 73, while Gaganjeet Bhullar was two-over after 16 holes.
Donaldson, already looking forward to his Masters Tournament debut in April after climbing into the Official World Golf Ranking's top 50 on the back of his Irish Open victory last summer, carded six birdies and one bogey at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. That saw the 37 year old lead by one from Dane Thorbj