India has announced a one-day national mourning on Monday following the death of Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, honouring the leader who transformed the Gulf nation into a global economic and diplomatic power.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country on July 13, while official entertainment will remain suspended as a mark of respect for the late ruler.
Sheikh Hamad died on Sunday at the age of 74. The Qatari government announced his death but did not disclose the cause. He is widely credited with reshaping Qatar through sweeping economic reforms, expanding its global influence and laying the foundation for its role as a major energy exporter and international mediator.
INDIA ANNOUNCES ONE-DAY MOURNING
In a statement, the MEA said the Government of India had declared a day of national mourning to honour Sheikh Hamad’s legacy.
“The Government of India has declared one-day national mourning tomorrow, 13 July 2026, as a mark of respect for His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar, who passed away today,” the ministry said.
“The National Flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day.”
The MEA also said Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to travel to Qatar to convey India’s condolences on behalf of the government.
PM MODI PAYS TRIBUTE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader who helped transform Qatar into one of the world’s most prosperous nations while strengthening ties with India.
In a post on X, he said, “We feel profound sadness at the death of the Father Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He was a visionary leader who guided Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity. We also remember him as a true friend whom I had the honor of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024.”
“I extend my sincerest condolences to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the noble royal family and the Qatari people. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.
(Screengrab: X/@@narendramodi)
THE LEADER WHO TRANSFORMED QATAR
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar after taking power in 1995. During his 18 years in office, he oversaw one of the most significant transformations in the country’s history.
He invested heavily in developing Qatar’s vast liquefied natural gas industry, turning the small Gulf nation into one of the world’s leading LNG exporters. The energy boom generated enormous wealth and helped position Qatar as a major player in the global economy.
His leadership also reshaped Doha’s skyline through large-scale infrastructure projects and modernisation efforts that changed the country’s image on the world stage.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad stepped down voluntarily and handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, saying it was time for a younger generation to lead the country with fresh ideas.
– Ends
With inputs from agencies
Published By:
Prateek Chakraborty
Published On:
Jul 12, 2026 20:47 IST
