New Delhi: India has declared a one-day national mourning on Monday following the death of former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who passed away at the age of 74.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday that the national flag will be flown at half-mast across India on all buildings where it is regularly displayed. There will also be no official entertainment throughout the day as a mark of respect for the late Qatari leader.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad, describing him as a "visionary leader who guided Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity".

In a post on social media, Modi said he also remembered Sheikh Hamad as "a true friend" and recalled meeting him during his visit to Qatar in February 2024.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, died on Sunday morning. He served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013, when he handed over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

The Government of India said the national mourning reflects the country's respect for the former ruler and acknowledges his contribution to strengthening ties between India and Qatar.