In a show of respect, the Indian government on Sunday sent its sincere condolences to Kuwait on the passing of Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the country’s Amir. State mourning was proclaimed nationwide on December 17.
Less than three years after taking over as leader of the West Asian nation, Sheikh Nawaf passed away on Saturday at the age of 86, as reported by the royal court. It took some time for the cause of his death to be revealed. In November, The Amir was brought to the hospital because of an urgent medical issue.
Sheikh Nawaf’s successor is to be Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, who has ruled Kuwait de facto since 2021.
In a statement, the ministry of external affairs said that Hardeep Singh Puri, the minister of petroleum and natural gas, would travel to Kuwait as the prime minister’s special envoy to offer condolences on behalf of the Indian government and people.
“In the demise of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait has lost a visionary leader who took the country towards progress and prosperity. India and Kuwait maintained close and friendly relations under the leadership of the late Amir,” the statement mentioned.
The statement said that Sheikh Nawaf was “steadfast in guiding and strengthening bilateral engagements for the mutual benefit of the people” of Kuwait and India.
“The large Indian expatriate community in Kuwait will miss his presence and compassionate care. India stands united in mourning with the leadership and the people of Kuwait,” it continued.
Approximately one million Indians, who make up the largest expat group in Kuwait, are native to the nation. Professionals like engineers, physicians, chartered accountants, scientists, software specialists, technicians, nurses, and software experts are among the expatriates; however, a sizable percentage of the workforce is made up of unskilled and semi-skilled individuals.
The West Asian nation is one of India’s main energy suppliers, and the two countries worked closely together during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the second wave of the pandemic, Kuwait built an air and sea bridge to connect India to oxygen and medical supplies.
