India has sent Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to pay New Delhi’s respect to the late ruler of Oman, Sultan Qaboos.
On Tuesday, Naqvi met the country’s newly anointed Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said in Mascat and conveyed condolences on behalf of India’s President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi met with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said in Muscat. Naqvi conveyed condolences on passing away of Sultan Qaboos on behalf of President of India, PM @narendramodi ,Govt & people of India. Also handed over personal letter from PM. pic.twitter.com/lC3AqogjQf
— Prasar Bharati News Services (@PBNS_India) January 14, 2020
Naqvi also gave a hand-written message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the new ruler. India’s External Affairs Ministry described Sultan Qaboos as a “true friend”, while New Delhi announced a day of official mourning as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
Paying tributes to Sultan Qaboos, Prime Minister Modi described him as “visionary leader and the statesman” and congratulated Sultan Said on taking over as new Sultan of Oman.
I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. He was a visionary leader and statesman who transformed Oman into a modern and prosperous nation. He was a beacon of peace for our region and the world. pic.twitter.com/7QnGhM5lNA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2020
I heartily congratulate HM Sayyid Haitham bin Tariq al Said on taking over as Sultan of Oman. I am confident that under his leadership, Oman will continue to progress and prosper and contribute to global peace.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2020
India has millennia old relations with Oman. We look forward to working hand in hand with HM Sayyid Haitham to further strengthen our strategic partnership.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2020
India has traditionally had strong relations with Oman, including a healthy maritime trade link and very close relations with its royal family. Not only did the Sultan Qaboos study in India, his father was an alumnus of Mayo College in Ajmer city in Rajasthan.
Five Prime Ministers of India have visited Oman, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2018, when he met Sultan Qaboos and exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues of common interest including maritime trade and cultural exchanges.
