New Delhi: Vice President M Hamid Ansari is leading the Government of India delegation in Riyadh to convey condolences for the passing away of Saudi Arabia`s King Abdullah.
The Government of India has also declared a day`s mourning today and flags are being flown at half-mast.
"The Government and people of India have received with deep sadness and shock the news of the demise of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.
"In his passing away, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has lost a leader and world an elder statesman. The achievements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under his leadership stand testimony to his vision," it added.
"India has maintained close and friendly relations with Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Abdullah. These bonds have been especially strengthened by the presence of the large expatriate Indian community which has found a home in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the statement further added.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have sent messages of condolences for the late King.
