India will observe a one-day national mourning on July 13 following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s former Emir, the Ministry of External Affairs announced. The national flag will fly at half-mast, and official entertainment will be suspended as a mark of respect.
Government Announces Official Tributes
Sheikh Hamad, known as the Father Amir of Qatar, died on July 12 at the age of 74. The Qatari government confirmed his passing but did not disclose the cause. In its statement, the MEA said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will travel to Qatar to convey India’s condolences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader who transformed Qatar into a prosperous nation and strengthened its ties with India. In a post on X, Modi recalled meeting Sheikh Hamad during his visit to Qatar in February 2024 and extended condolences to the royal family and the Qatari people.
Legacy of Economic and Diplomatic Reform
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, overseeing its rise as a global energy exporter and diplomatic mediator. His leadership expanded Qatar’s liquefied natural gas industry, funded large-scale infrastructure projects, and modernized Doha’s skyline. In 2013, he voluntarily stepped down, handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
