An Indian flag flies at half-mast.

Syed Shayaan Bakht, Staff Reporter

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has officered its condolences on the passing away of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday.

The Embassy said on its Twitter page, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. We extend our sincere condolences to the people of the UAE in this hour of mourning. We stand by our Emirati brothers and sisters, with the tricolour at half-mast @IndembAbuDhabi…”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences and said, “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.”

The government announced that India will observe 1 day of national mourning on May 14, as a mark of respect for the departed soul of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

It said, “His leadership and guidance, under which the India-UAE prospered, will be remembered forever.”

President of India Ram Nath Kovind wrote on Twitter, “Saddened at the demise of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, President of UAE. We will always remember his contribution to our bilateral relations and welfare of the Indian community in UAE. My condolences to His Highness’ family, the Govt & the people of the UAE in this hour of grief.”

M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Vice President of India, said, “Anguished by the demise of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, President of the UAE. He was a sagacious leader, who played a pivotal role in accelerating development in the UAE. My thoughts are with his bereaved family and the people of the UAE in this hour of grief.”

The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar

 Wrote on Twitter, “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 modernized and empowered the United Arab Emirates. This laid the foundation of the transformation of the India-UAE relationship.”