Vice President Naidu offers condolences in UAE on former President Sheikh Khalifa’s demise

New Delhi, May 15: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday offered condolences on behalf of the Government of India on the demise of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, former President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Vice President on landing in Abu Dhabi at noon today went straight to Mushrif Palace and offered his condolences to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, newly-elected President of the UAE, the royal family and the entire leadership of the UAE.

Vice President conveyed the condolences of President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated that India and its people stand by the UAE at this difficult time.

Vice President fondly recalled that under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, India-UAE ties prospered greatly to the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries and also that Sheikh Khalifa took exceptional care of the large Indian community in UAE, who held him in the high esteem.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited the UAE Embassy in New Delhi on 14 May 2022 to convey India's condolences. India has also observed a day of national mourning on 14 May 2022.

Vice President also conveyed his best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed on being elected as the third President of the UAE. Vice President said that under his care and leadership, the two countries will continue to take forward their historic and comprehensive strategic relationship in new and diverse areas.

Vice President was accompanied by Ambassador of India to the UAE, Secretary to the Vice President, Joint Secretary (Gulf) and other senior officials of Government of India.