India declares one-day national mourning on demise of former Qatar Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
New Delhi, July 12
India has announced one-day national mourning on July 13, Monday, in a show of respect for the demise of Father Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout the country, adding that no official entertainment will be held on the day.
"The Government of India has declared one-day national mourning tomorrow, July 13, 2026, as a mark of respect for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar, who passed away today. 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 stated.
The Ministry further reflected on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju's condolences over the Sheikh's demise.
"Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has expressed condolences at the demise of Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, noting that he was a visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity and was a true friend of India," the MEA stated.
"Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, is expected to visit Qatar shortly to convey condolences on behalf of the Government of India to the State of Qatar," it added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the passing away of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and said he was a visionary leader who led his country to great levels of development and prosperity.
The Prime Minister conveyed his condolences to the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the people of the West Asian country.
"We deeply mourn the passing of Father Amir of the State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. 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 February 2024. I convey my sincere condolences to the Amir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the entire royal family and people of Qatar. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace," PM Modi said in a post on X.
The father emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, died at the age of 74, the Amiri Diwan, State of Qatar, said earlier.
"With hearts steadfast in faith in God's decree and destiny, the Amiri Diwan mourns the great loss to the nation of the late - may God have mercy on him - His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away this morning," the Amiri Diwan said in a statement on Sunday.
Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was a key architect of the energy-rich country's stunning development. During his reign, the country saw economic, social and cultural development that bolstered its status in the international community, Al Jazeera reported.
Sheikh Hamad's tenure also saw the promulgation of Qatar's first permanent constitution in 2004 and the introduction of municipal elections, in which women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates, as per Al Jazeera.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I understand diplomatic courtesies, I wonder if one-day national mourning for a foreign leader is proportionate. We have our own pressing issues—floods, unemployment. But yes, Qatar is an important partner for our energy needs and for our 8 lakh+ Indians working there.
As someone who worked in Doha for five years, I can vouch for Sheikh Hamad's legacy. Under him, Qatar became a hub for education and media—Al Jazeera, Education City. India-Qatar relations deepened during his tenure. This mourning is a fitting tribute from a grateful nation.
I appreciate our government maintaining good relations with Gulf countries. But bhai, one-day national mourning? Feels a bit excessive when our own soldiers and farmers don't get such recognition. Still, condolences to the Qatari royal family and people.
Sheikh Hamad was a modernizer who gave women voting rights and built world-class infrastructure. India's gesture shows we value our strategic partnership with Qatar—critical for LNG imports and remittances from our large Indian community there. Respect.
Is it just me or does this seem like one more VIP mourning? Our country has so many real problems—price rise, lack of jobs—and we're pausing everything for a foreign leader. Not questioning the diplomatic importance, but priorities yaar. 😕
S We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.