Vice-President Hamid Ansari will lead an Indian delegation to Saudi Arabia on Saturday to convey India’s condolences on the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who died on Friday.King Abdullah has been a great friend of India and soon after the news of his death broke, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise saying, “In King Abdullah, we have lost an important voice who left a lasting impact on his country. Our thoughts are with the people of Saudi Arabia, who have lost a guiding force in King Abdullah, during this hour of grief. News of King Abdullah’s passing away is saddening.” In fact, Modi has just a couple of days back spoken to Crown Prince Salman and enquired about the King’s health.
India has declared one-day’s national mourning on Saturday as a mark of respect to the departed dignitary. The Government has announced that the national flag will be flown at half mast on Saturday throughout India and there will be no official entertainment on the day.India has always enjoyed a special relationship with Saudi Arabia, which has the highest number of Indian diaspora working in the country. Besides having huge business and defence interest, the country is also of immense spiritual interest for lakhs of Indian muslims due to its two mosques — Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid-e-Nabawi in Madina — the holiest places in Islam.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Ansari will also take the opportunity to wish the new King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Interestingly, Ansari had served twice in Saudi Arabia as an Indian ambassador and is known to have a special relationship with the country’s top leadership. Sources said he enjoyed a great bonding with both King Abdullah and the new King during his tenure in Riyadh, where King Salman was the Governor. King Salman had last year in February visited India as a Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister. His tour resulted in giving the India -Saudi Arabia ‘strategic partnership’ a fresh momentum besides strengthening military ties.
Officials in the External Affairs Ministry said King Salman has been very supportive of India and Indians working in the country. In fact, he met PM Modi at the sidelines of G-20 Summit in Brisbane where King Salman congratulated Modi for becoming PM and said that he was willing for co-operation in any field with India. He also talked about old linkages with India and even told Modi that his teacher was from India, hence, special affection for the country.