Jaishankar Pays Respects at Kuwait Embassy on Amir Sheikh Nawaf's Passing

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday morning paid a visit to Kuwait’s mission in New Delhi to pay respects following the passing away of the country’s Amir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Following his visit, Jaishankar said the government and people of India will always remember the Amir’s notable contributions to the strengthening of bilateral ties. “Visited the Embassy of Kuwait in Delhi today morning to express condolences and pay my respects on the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait,” Jaishanakar wrote on X.

Sheikh Nawaf, who died at the age of 86, was admitted to the hospital late last month due to what the state news agency described at the time as an emergency health problem. The Indian government was quick to declare state mourning across the country on December 17 as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

A day later, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri went on a diplomatic mission to Kuwait as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Special Envoy. Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, who has been Kuwait’s de facto ruler since 2021, when the frail emir handed over most of his duties, was named as Sheikh Nawaf’s successor.

In an earlier statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Kuwait has lost a visionary leader who took the country towards progress and prosperity. The ministry said that India and Kuwait maintained close and friendly relations under the leadership of the late Amir.

He was steadfast in guiding and strengthening bilateral engagements for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries, MEA said. “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,” the ministry added.