Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 12: India has declared a one-day national mourning on Monday following the death of former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, honouring the leader widely credited with transforming the Gulf nation into a global economic and diplomatic power.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country on July 13, and there will be no official entertainment as a mark of respect.
"The Government of India has declared one-day national mourning on July 13 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 MEA said in a statement.
Sheikh Hamad died on Sunday at the age of 74. The Qatari government announced his death but did not disclose the cause.
The MEA also said Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju is expected to travel to Qatar to convey India's condolences on behalf of the government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the late leader, describing him as a visionary who guided Qatar to remarkable development and prosperity while strengthening bilateral ties with India.
"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 honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024," Modi said in a post on X.
He also conveyed his condolences to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the royal family and the people of Qatar.
Sheikh Hamad assumed power in 1995 and ruled Qatar for 18 years. During his tenure, he spearheaded the development of the country's liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, transforming Qatar into one of the world's leading LNG exporters and significantly boosting its global economic influence.
He also oversaw major infrastructure and urban development projects that reshaped Doha into a modern global city.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily abdicated the throne in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, marking a rare peaceful transfer of power in the Gulf region.