New Delhi, July 12 -- The Indian government on Sunday declared one day of national mourning on July 13 as a mark of respect for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Father Amir of Qatar, who died at the age of 74.

The national flag will be flown at half-mast on Monday throughout India and there will be no official entertainment on the day, the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Sheikh Hamad and described him as a true friend of India and a visionary leader who led the development of Qatar.

"A visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity, we remember him also as a true friend whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in ...