New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the death of Kuwait's ruling emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Deeply saddened to learn about the unfortunate demise of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. We convey our deepest condolences to the Royal family, the leadership, and the people of Kuwait." The Government of India declared one day of state mourning on Sunday as a mark of respect for the passing of Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that there would be one day of State Mourning on December 17 throughout India, and the National Flag would be flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly displayed. No official entertainment would take place on the day.

Deeply saddened to learn about the unfortunate demise of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. We convey our deepest condolences to the Royal family, the leadership and the people of Kuwait.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2023

The official notification from the MHA read, "Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait passed away today. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there will be one day of State Mourning on 17th December throughout India. The National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly, and there will be no official entertainment on the day."

Kuwait's ruling emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, passed away at the age of 86, as reported by state-run media on Saturday. The Emir had been admitted to the hospital for an unspecified illness last month. Following his death, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, believed to be the world's oldest crown prince at 83, is in line to take over as the leader of the country. An official successor is yet to be announced. Kuwait, with the world's sixth-largest known oil reserves, has been a staunch US ally since the 1991 Gulf War and hosts a significant American military presence in the region.

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