Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her death and conveyed his deepest condolences

India will observe a day of official mourning on September 11 "as a mark of respect" on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in the United Kingdom, passed away on Thursday in Scotland at 96.

"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland passed away on 8th September 2022. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there will be one day State Mourning on September 11th throughout India," the Ministry of Home Affairs said on Friday.

The Ministry also stated that there would be no official entertainment on the day of mourning and that the National Flag would be flown at half-mast on all buildings in India where it is normally flown.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her demise. He tweeted, "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered as a stalwart of our times. She provided inspiring leadership to her nation and people. She personified dignity and decency in public life. Pained by her demise. My thoughts are with her family and people of UK in this sad hour."

Remembering his meetings with Queen Elizabeth, he wrote, "I had memorable meetings with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during my UK visits in 2015 and 2018. I will never forget her warmth and kindness. During one of the meetings she showed me the handkerchief Mahatma Gandhi gifted her on her wedding. I will always cherish that gesture."

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed his grief at her death and sent his sincere condolences to her. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, "On the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, express my deepest condolences to her family and people of the United Kingdom. She guided her nation into contemporary times and will be remembered for her warmth and compassion."