IANS/New Delhi

Vice President Hamid Ansari arrived in Riyadh yesterday as the head of an Indian government delegation to offer condolences following the death of King Abdullah.
Abdullah died on Friday aged 90.
The Indian government declared a day’s mourning yesterday and flags were flown at half-mast.
An official statement said “the government and people of India have received with deep sadness and shock” the news of Abdullah’s death.
“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 added.
Ansari served as Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1995 to 1999.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have sent messages of condolence to new King Salman.
“In his passing away, Saudi Arabia has lost a beloved leader, India a close friend and the world an elder statesman,” a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
“King Abdullah had genuine warmth and affection for India and our people. He was personally committed to improving bilateral ties with India,” it added.
Modi described the late king as a guiding force, and said: “In King Abdullah, we have lost an important voice, who left a lasting impact on his country. I condole his demise.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Saudi Arabia, who have lost a guiding force in King Abdullah, during this hour of grief. A few days ago I spoke to (then) Crown Prince Salman and inquired about King Abdullah’s health. News of King Abdullah’s passing away is saddening,” he added.
India’s energy security depends a lot on Saudi Arabia which accounts for 20% of the country’s oil imports.

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