India has declared state mourning today for deceased Oman Sultan Qaboos bin said Al Said. The decision comes as a mark of respect towards one of India's closest partners in the region. Throughout the country, the National Flag will fly at half-mast and there will be no official entertainment during the day.<br />'' <br />'' Meanwhile, Haitham bin Tariq al-Said took the oath of allegiance as the new Sultan of Oman yesterday. He is the cousin of long-time ruler, late Sultan Qaboos who passed away on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the new ruler on taking over as Sultan. <br />'' <br />'' In a series of tweets, Mr. Modi referred to millennia-old relations between the two countries. He added that New Delhi looks forward to working with Sayyid Haitham to further strengthen the strategic partnership.<br />