NEW DELHI, Oct 4 : India's mourning in the demise of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is a recognition of former Amir's contributions in several fields, said Kuwaiti Ambassador to India Jasim Al-Najim.

In a statement to KUNA on Sunday, the ambassador said that His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad had played a vital role in cementing the ties between the two nations in addition to providing leadership at regional and global levels.

His contributions in building global peace and security and the special care given to the Indian expatriates were unique. He also mentioned the Amir of Kuwait's multiple visits to India especially the one soon after he assumed power in 2006 and his extensive interactions with the Indian leadership.
India on Sunday began official mourning in respect to Sheikh Sabah. The national flag was flown at half-mast on all buildings and all official entertainments scheduled for today were cancelled.

The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs had announced the state mourning in a statement earlier saying "His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, passed away on September 29, 2020. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the government of India has decided that there will be one day's state mourning tomorrow throughout India. The national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings throughout India where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day."

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jayashankar had expressed their condolences earlier.
"Today, the State of Kuwait and the Arab world has lost a beloved leader, India a close friend, and the world a great statesman. His Highness played a leading role in strengthening our bilateral relations, and always took special care of the Indian community in Kuwait," Modi said.

Meanwhile, Jaishankar, who was received by ambassador Al-Najim, wrote in the condolence book,"This is a very difficult day and I am here to express the condolences of the government and people of India on the passing away of the late Amir. His Highness was exceptionally well regarded in India. He had contributed a lot to the building of this relationship. He had come here as a foreign minister, as a special envoy, and we were actually looking forward to his visit last year so his passing away was something which has also shaken us and distressed us very deeply. At this time we express our fullest solidarity with the people of Kuwait."

Ambassador Al-Najim also received several calls from the officials and heads of universities from across India.(KUNA) --