Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday arrived in Kuwait as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy to pay condolences over the demise of Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on behalf of the government and the people of India.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Puri will also deliver personal letters of condolences from President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi to Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the new Emir of Kuwait,

“India stands united in mourning with the leadership and the people of Kuwait,” the MEA said, adding that the large Indian expatriate community in that country will miss his “presence and compassionate care”.

In the demise of Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait has lost a visionary leader who took the country towards progress and prosperity, the MEA said.

“The government and people of India express their deepest condolences on the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait on December 16,” it said in a statement.

“Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, will be visiting Kuwait as the prime minister’s special envoy on December 17 to pay condolences on behalf of the government and the people of India,” it added.

The Indian government has already declared a “State mourning” on Sunday as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

Emir Jaber Al-Sabah died at the age of 86 on Saturday.