Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat flew to Dubai on Thursday to pay condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India on the passing away of United Arab Emirates Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Accompanied by the Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed, Shekhawat flew by a special plane to offer tributes to the departed leader.
The high-level delegation would meet the new ruler of Dubai, General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to convey India's condolences.
Sheikh Maktoum was one of the eminent leaders of the region whose contribution to the UAE and Dubai in particular, has indeed been immense.
"India is united in grief with the ruling family of Dubai and the leadership and people of UAE, in mourning the passing away of Sheikh Maktoum."
State mourning is being observed in India today as a mark of respect for the departed soul.
62-year-old Maktoum died during a private visit to Australia and was immediately succeeded by his younger brother.
The cause of the death was not given officially, but Australia's national ABC Radio reported that he died of a heart attack.
{{/usCountry}}The cause of the death was not given officially, but Australia's national ABC Radio reported that he died of a heart attack.
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