India will observe a day of national mourning on July 13 following the death of Qatar’s former Amir. National flags will fly at half-mast and official entertainment will be suspended….reports Asian Lite News Desk
India has declared a one-day national mourning on July 13 following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Father Amir of the State of Qatar, who passed away on Sunday.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the national mourning would be observed across the country as a mark of respect for the late Qatari leader.
“The 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,” the MEA said in a statement.
As part of India’s official response, Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to travel to Qatar shortly to convey condolences on behalf of the Government of India.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the late leader, remembering him as a visionary ruler who transformed Qatar and strengthened ties with India.
“We deeply mourn the passing of Father Amir of 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 posted on X.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani served as the Amir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
During his 18-year reign, Qatar underwent significant economic, social and cultural transformation, emerging as a major regional and global player. According to a statement issued by the Amiri Diwan, the country witnessed extensive development under his leadership and strengthened its standing within the Arab world and the international community.
The late Father Amir was widely credited with overseeing Qatar’s rapid modernisation and expanding its global influence through economic growth, infrastructure development and diplomatic engagement.
India and Qatar have maintained close bilateral ties, with cooperation spanning trade, energy, investment and the welfare of the large Indian community living in the Gulf nation. The two countries have also strengthened political and strategic engagement in recent years.
The declaration of national mourning reflects the significance India attaches to its relationship with Qatar and honours the contribution of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to strengthening ties between the two countries.
