The Indian government on Sunday declared one national day of mourning on July 13, out of respect for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar, who died at the age of 74.
The national flag will be flown at half-mast on Monday across India and there will be no official entertainment on that day, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the death of Sheikh Hamad, describing him as a true friend of India and a visionary leader who led Qatar’s development.
“A visionary leader who led 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,” Modi said on social media.
Modi conveyed his condolences to the Emir of the country, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the royal family and the people of Qatar.
The statement said that Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to visit Qatar soon to offer his condolences on behalf of the Indian government.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and played a major role in the development of the energy-rich country. During his reign, Qatar witnessed economic, social and cultural development that strengthened its position on the global scene.
He supervised economic investments and developed international partnerships as Qatar became the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world. Qatar declared general mourning for four days, starting on Sunday.
During Sheikh Hamad’s reign, the number of Indians in Qatar increased significantly, and he made official visits to India in 1999, 2005 and 2012.
