India declares one-day state mourning on passing away of Sultan of Oman

The Sultan breathed his last on Friday. Qaboos was one of the longest-serving rulers of the Middle East. He was 79 years old and had been keeping unwell for years. In early December, the Sultan spent a week in Belgium undergoing medical treatment.

"His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, Sultan of Oman passed away. As a mark of respect, the Indian government has decided that there will be one day's state mourning on January 13 throughout India. The National flag to fly at half-mast and there will be no official entertainment on that day," the MHA release read.

Sultan Qaboos's cousin, Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, was named as his successor yesterday.

In a televised address, Haitham vowed to pursue peace and development of Oman.

"We will continue to assist in resolving disputes peacefully," Haitham said.

(With inputs from agencies)