Qatar's former ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has passed away at the age of 74. He was widely and respectfully known in Qatar as the 'Father Emir'. Following his passing, the Government of India announced that the country will observe one day of national mourning on Monday, 13 July. Through the day, the national flag will fly at half-mast across India and no official entertainment functions will be organised anywhere in the country. Qatar itself had already announced four days of public mourning starting Sunday in honour of Sheikh Hamad, reflecting how significant a figure he remained for the nation.
What the Foreign Ministry announced
India's Ministry of External Affairs issued an official statement laying out the details of the mourning period. According to the statement, on the day of mourning the national flag will fly at half-mast on all buildings across the country where it is normally hoisted on a regular basis. The ministry also made clear that no official or government entertainment event will take place that day. The gesture is being read as more than mere protocol, it reflects the depth of the diplomatic relationship India and Qatar have built over decades.
PM Modi's tribute to Sheikh Hamad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Sheikh Hamad's passing, describing him as a true friend of India and a visionary leader who steered Qatar toward remarkable development. In a message posted on social media, PM Modi wrote, "A visionary leader who led Qatar to great heights of progress and prosperity, we also remember him as a true friend, whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024." PM Modi also conveyed his deep condolences to the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the royal family of Qatar, and the people of the country.
Kiren Rijiju to travel to Qatar soon
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju is expected to travel to Qatar soon to personally convey the Government of India's condolences. The upcoming visit is being viewed as yet another marker of the close bond shared by the two nations. It is worth recalling that Sheikh Hamad handed over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, back in 2013. Since then, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has continued to lead the country as Qatar's current Emir.
Eighteen years, from 1995 to 2013, that reshaped Qatar
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar for close to 18 years, from 1995 to 2013. Across those 18 years, the energy-rich Gulf nation went through economic, social and cultural progress on a scale few could have predicted, and it was this period that gave Qatar a strong, distinct identity on the world stage. It was also under his leadership that India-Qatar bilateral relations found fresh momentum and direction. His tenure saw a sharp rise in the number of Indian expatriates living and working in Qatar, a community that remains a vital part of the country's economy and society to this day.
What this decision means for India-Qatar relations
The India-Qatar relationship, strengthened considerably during Sheikh Hamad's rule, today runs deep across energy, trade and labour ties. India's decision to observe national mourning is not being seen as a mere formality, it is being read as a symbol of the trust and cooperation the two countries have built over the years. For the millions of Indian expatriates settled in Qatar, the gesture also serves as reassurance that the relationship between the two nations will remain just as strong going forward.
