India
oi-Ashish Rana
India has declared a day of mourning today in honour of the death of former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The mourning will take place on 13 July, this decision has taken to pay tribute to the late leader, who died Sunday at the age of 74, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said.
India announced a one-day national mourning on July 13, 2026, to honor Qatar’s Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died at 74. The national flag flew at half-mast across India to pay respect to the former ruler credited with Qatar’s significant development.
India Announces National Mourning on July 13
In an official statement, the MEA said, “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 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.”
In the mourning ceremony, the Indian National Flag will be downed to half-mast to the whole country on government buildings where the flag is normally hoisted. Also, the entertainment programmes will be called cancelled for the day.
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Former Qatar Ruler
PM Modi shared his sorrow over Sheikh Hamad’s death and also said he as a leader who transformed Qatar during his tenure.
“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,” PM Modi said.
, PM Modi said Sheikh Hamad had visited India in February 2024, where he had met PM Modi and discussed his contribution to increase bilateral relations.
A Leader Who Reshaped Modern Qatar
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was announced the Emir of Qatar from 1995 until he left in 2013. His easily passed the baton after following his bloodshed which outs his father.
Under his rule, Qatar experienced swift economic development and became a major force in world affairs, including a decade-long expansion of natural gas reserves. His leadership has been credited as a catalyst in the development of the country and its international presence.
Voluntary Transfer of Power in 2013
Sheikh Hamad was one of its kind leader for Gulf country, he started his rule till June 2013. He shifted his powers to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who became Qatar Ruler.
He planned a smooth leadership change to pass the baton to his son and made the decision looking for future of the country. He will always be remebered as father Amir of Qatar, and he died at 74 defining his legacy.
