His Majesty King Hamad yesterday visited the Mahatma Gandhi memorial in New Delhi.

He was accompanied by the Indian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the head of the mission of honour, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Upon arrival, the King was received by the memorial's secretary-general and vice-chief of protocols from the Indian Foreign Ministry.

He laid a wreath of roses at the shrine and observed a minute's silence according to ancient Indian tradition.

His Majesty wrote in the record of honour, expressing utmost delight at visiting India and meeting Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and senior officials.

He expressed gratitude and appreciation of the warm welcome he had received since arrival.

He lauded Mahatma Gandhi "who believed in his cause which he pursued until it was realised".

"Mahatma Gandhi was peaceful, tolerant and forgiving. He enabled India to maintain its own unity and cultural diversity," His Majesty said.

He expressed admiration for the everlasting heritage of Gandhi's principles.

He also expressed his admiration of the great Indian nation.

The shrine's secretary-general presented as memorial gifts to His Majesty some of Mahatma Gandhi's books and a sculpture. - TradeArabia News Service