Saudi Arabia's first ambassador to India Sheikh Muhammad ibn Uthman Al-Mulhem, who was a close friend of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, has died.
He died of natural causes at the age of 105.
Al-Mulhem, a friend of the Mahatma, was an unaccredited ambassador before India won freedom. He was later officially made the ambassador.
With his relations with India spanning over a period of 65 years in his capacity as an envoy and a businessman, Al-Mulhem earned himself great respect in the Indian subcontinent and the Gulf region.
His house in New Delhi was known as a home away from home for all the Arabs, particularly Saudis, visiting India.
He founded the Ahsa-India Commercial Co, the first Saudi-owned business to operate in India.
Al-Mulhem is survived by 21 children and 109 grandchildren, Al-Jazirah daily reported.