New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: The Central government on Friday said that one-day state mourning will be observed over the passing away of the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
"As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there will be one day's state mourning on May 14, 2022 throughout India," the Ministry of Home Affairs communication to all Ministries, States and the Union Territories said.
On May 14, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India on all buildings where the national flag is flown regularly, the MHA communication further said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief over the passing away of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, calling him a great statesman and visionary leader under whom India-UAE relations prospered.
“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,” PM Modi tweeted.
UAE President was a strong and visionary leader, who steered the country through path-breaking reforms making it an oasis of prosperity, according to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
“Received with profound grief, the news of the death of the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A strong and visionary leader, he steered the UAE through pathbreaking reforms making it an oasis of prosperity,” Goyal said in a tweet.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar said bin Zayed Al Nahyan 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,” he said.
A big loss to India: Vijayan
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday described the passing of the UAE President as a big loss for India and the southern state.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed (73) breathed his last on Friday, the UAE’s Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed was a great visionary and was largely responsible for the modernisation of UAE as he always thought ahead of his time, Vijayan said.
“He was a great friend of India in general and Kerala in particular, and was also ready to help Indians and Keralites. He was loved and admired by all for his warmth. He will be missed,” the Chief Minister added.
“The help that he extended when Kerala faced the worst-ever floods in a century in 2018 will always be remembered,” he added.
Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, said he was deeply saddened to know about the demise of the UAE President.
“He modernised the Emirates and contributed significantly to build a better world. His contributions will be always cherished,” he said.
