Vice President leads Indian delegation to Saudi King's funeral
"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. 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," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday.
India has maintained close and friendly relations with Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Abdullah.
"These bonds have been especially strengthened by the presence of the large expatriate Indian community which has found a home in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," it said.
The Government of India has declared a day's mourning on Saturday and flags are being flown at half-mast.
"ShriM. Hamid Ansari, Hon’ble Vice President is leading the Government of India delegation to convey our condolences on24 January 2015in Riyadh," read the statement.
Saudi King Abdullah passed away on Friday. Following the demise, his brother Salman has been declared the new king.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.