India has declared one day of national mourning following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the former Emir of Qatar and father of the country’s current ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the national mourning will be observed across India on July 13. During the mourning period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings where it is regularly displayed, and there will be no official entertainment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to Sheikh Hamad, describing him as a prominent leader who played a significant role in Qatar’s development and prosperity, recalling his meet with the former Emir during his visit to Qatar in February 2024.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, overseeing a period of rapid economic growth and transforming the Gulf nation into one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG). In 2013, he voluntarily abdicated the throne in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim, marking a rare and peaceful transfer of power in the region.
The announcement reflects the close diplomatic ties between India and Qatar, which have expanded significantly over the years through cooperation in trade, energy, investment, and the welfare of the Indian community living in the Gulf nation.
