India Announces One Day State Mourning On Passing Away Of Sultan of Oman Qaboos Bin Said Al Said

The Indian government has declared one-day state mourning today (12 January) for the late Oman Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.

The Sultan passed away on 10 January at the age of 79. He served as the Sultan of Oman from 23 July 1970 until his death, and has become the longest-serving leader in the Middle East and Arab world.

“As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the government of India has decided that there will be one day’s state mourning on January 13 throughout India.

“The national flag will be flown at half mast throughout India on the day of mourning and there will be no official entertainment on that day,” a home ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The communication in this regard has been sent to all the states and the union territories. Previously, PM Modi had condoled his death, calling him a “beacon of peace” for the region.

Qaboos had taken over the power after a coup d'état against his own father in 1970. He united the Muscat and Oman into one Sulatnate of Oman, and defeated the communist insurgency from South Yemen - Dhofar rebellion. He also credited with putting Oman on the path of modernisation and economic development.