Indian government sends condolences following death of Maldivian Foreign Minister

The Government of India has expressed its “deepest condolences” following the death of Maldivian Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdul Samad Abdulla.

India’s External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, in a letter to Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Waheed, described Dr Samad as “not only a great diplomat and statesman but also a close personal friend.”

“His hard work in the service of Maldives and his high regard for India contributed immensely to furthering the bilateral relations between India and Maldives,” wrote Khurshid. “His contribution to development work during his tenure in the World Health Organisation in New Delhi is highly regarded by the people of India.”

In a statement, the Indian High Commission said Khurshid “conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues and the people of Maldives on this irretrievable loss of a leader.”