NEW DELHI : Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari is leading the Indian delegation to convey the condolences on the demise of King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, who was laid to rest yesterday.
“The government and people of India have received with deep sadness and shock the news of the demise of His Majesty King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement here today. “In the passing away of His Majesty King Abdullah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lost a leader and world an elder statesman. The achievements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under his leadership stand testimony to his vision,” the Ministry said.
It said India had maintained close and friendly relations with Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Abdullah, and these bonds had been especially strengthened by the presence of the large expatriate Indian community which had found a home in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the government has declared a day’s mourning today, and and flags are being flown at half-mast. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have sent messages of condolences to King Abullah’s successor King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
(AGENCIES)
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