Late Kuwaiti Amir shared strong personal bonds with India

NEW DELHI: Kuwaiti Amir, HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away this week was a visionary leader, great statesman and a true friend and well-wisher of India. The Modi government, as mark of respect, has declared a day of national mourning.

During his stint as a Foreign Minister(1962-2003), he officially visited India in 1980, 1983 and 1993. He was always friendly towards India and even made unofficial trips to India as Amir to deepen partnership.

Soon after his coronation as Amir of the State of Kuwait, he made a State visit to India in June 2006. He also visited India privately in June 2017. The scheduled visit of His Highness in October 2019 could not be materialised on account of his health setbacks.


Foreign Minister S Jaishankar visited the Kuwait Embassy in Delhi to pay respects.

The late Amir greatly contributed to the enhancement of the bilateral relations between the two countries, sources said, adding, he took special care and bestowed affection to one million strong Indian community, the largest expatriate community, in Kuwait.

During the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, the late Amir ensured that Government of Kuwait also equally take care of the health and quarantine needs of the Indian community in Kuwait.

“India will always fondly remember his contributions towards guiding and strengthening the bilateral relationships for the mutual benefits of the people of the two countries,” a source said.

The royal family of Kuwait like other royalties of the Gulf have old bonds with India particularly Mumbai. Members of the royal family of Kuwait made annual trips to Mumbai during monsoons.