Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the death of Kuwait’s ruling Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He expressed his condolences to the royal family, leadership and people of Kuwait.
India has declared a one-day national mourning for Sunday
The Indian government on Sunday declared one day of state mourning as a mark of respect on the death of Kuwait’s ruling emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the Government of India has decided to observe a one-day state mourning across India on December 17 (Sunday) December 17 following the demise of the Emir of Kuwait.
The National Flag will be flown at half-mast across India on all buildings where the National Flag is regularly displayed and no official entertainment will be held on the day.
Kuwait’s ruling emir has died
Kuwait’s ruling emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah died on Saturday at the age of 86, according to state media. Sheikh Nawaf was admitted to hospital for an unspecified illness last month, after which the oil-rich country awaited news on his health.
“It is with great sadness and grief that we mourn… the death of Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait,” said a statement broadcast by Kuwait’s state television.
Sheikh Nawaf was sworn in as the Emir of Kuwait following the death of his 91-year-old predecessor, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, who was known for his policy of diplomacy and peacemaking. Previously, Sheikh Nawaf served as Kuwait’s Minister of Interior and Defense. His advancing age led to speculation that his tenure would be short.
Following his death, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, who at 83 is believed to be the oldest crown prince in the world, is in line to take over the leadership of the country. An official successor has not yet been announced.
Kuwait, home to about 4.2 million people, slightly smaller than the US state of New Jersey, has the world’s sixth largest known oil reserves. It has been a staunch ally of the US since the 1991 Gulf War ousted the occupying Iraqi forces of Saddam Hussein, hosting some 13,500 US troops in the country as well as the US military’s premier Middle East headquarters.
