INDIA has declared a day of mourning following the passing of United Arab Emirates (UAE) President, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. India’s flag flew at half-mast at the High Commission of India in Guyana.

According to a release, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his condolence message, stated that “I am deeply saddened to know about the passing away of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed. He was a great statesman and visionary leader under whom India-UAE relations prospered. The heartfelt condolences of the people of India are with the people of UAE. May his soul rest in peace.”

On the accession of the new President, Prime Minister Modi stated: “My best wishes to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on being elected as the new President of the UAE. I am confident that, under his dynamic and visionary leadership, our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to deepen.”

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, also conveyed his condolences.

“We deeply mourn the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. He will be remembered as a leader who modernised and empowered the United Arab Emirates. This laid the foundation of the transformation of the India-UAE relationship,” he said.

India’s Vice-President, Venkaiah Naidu, is in the UAE to pay respect to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.