India Observes National Mourning for Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad

New Delhi, India Jul 13, 2026 ALN: India declared a one-day national mourning on Monday as a mark of respect for former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing him as a "visionary leader". The passing of Sheikh Hamad marks a significant moment not only for Qatar but also for India, given the strong ties that developed between the two nations during his reign.

Sheikh Hamad, known affectionately as the Father Emir of Qatar, passed away this morning at the age of 74. He ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, a period characterized by remarkable socio-economic development in the energy-rich Gulf nation. Under his leadership, Qatar transformed into a modern state with a high standard of living, robust infrastructure, and a burgeoning economy primarily driven by its vast natural gas reserves.

During his tenure, Sheikh Hamad was instrumental in diversifying Qatar's economy and enhancing its global standing. He invested heavily in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, laying the groundwork for Qatar to become one of the wealthiest countries per capita in the world. His policies also encouraged foreign investment and tourism, significantly contributing to the country's economic growth. The development of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy, can be traced back to his forward-thinking policies.

Sheikh Hamad also played a key role in deepening India-Qatar relations. The bilateral ties between the two nations have grown significantly over the years, with India becoming one of Qatar's largest trading partners. The former Emir's efforts to foster these relations were evident through various high-level visits and initiatives aimed at strengthening economic and cultural ties. The presence of a large Indian expatriate community in Qatar, which has grown under his reign, further illustrates the close relationship between the two countries.

In a heartfelt message on social media, PM Modi expressed his profound sadness at the death of the Father Emir. "We feel profound sadness at the death of the Father Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani," he stated. "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," he added, highlighting the importance of the relationship between the two countries.

In light of Sheikh Hamad's passing, the Prime Minister extended his "sincerest condolences" to the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as to the royal family and the Qatari people. This gesture underscores the significance of the relationship that has been cultivated between India and Qatar over the years, reflecting mutual respect and collaboration on various fronts.

In 2013, Sheikh Hamad made the historic decision to hand over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who continues to lead Qatar today. This transition of power was seen as a reflection of Sheikh Hamad's forward-thinking approach and his commitment to ensuring a stable future for the nation. This succession plan demonstrated his ability to navigate political complexities while preparing the next generation for leadership, further solidifying Qatar’s position in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India announced the declaration of one-day national mourning on Monday as a mark of respect for Sheikh Hamad. The official statement noted, "The national flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout India on all buildings where it is flown regularly, and there will be no official entertainment on the day." This decision reflects the high regard in which Sheikh Hamad was held not only in Qatar but also in India, highlighting the importance of his contributions to both nations.

In addition to the national mourning declared by India, Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to visit Qatar "shortly" to convey condolences on behalf of the government of India to the State of Qatar. This visit is anticipated to further strengthen diplomatic ties and showcase India's solidarity with Qatar during this time of loss, emphasizing the importance of personal diplomacy in international relations.

In response to Sheikh Hamad's passing, Qatar has already announced a four-day-long public mourning period. This period will allow the Qatari people to pay their respects and honor the legacy of a leader who significantly shaped the nation’s modern identity. The public mourning period serves not only as a time for reflection but also as a moment for the Qatari people to unite in remembrance of their leader's contributions.

The Father Emir was regarded as a "great friend" of India, and the number of Indians residing in Qatar grew substantially during his tenure as Emir. His leadership coincided with a time when many Indians sought employment opportunities in the Gulf region, particularly in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and hospitality. This influx of Indian workers contributed to the socio-economic fabric of Qatar and reinforced the historical ties between the two countries. The Indian community has become an integral part of Qatari society, contributing to various aspects of daily life and the economy.

As Emir, Sheikh Hamad made several official visits to India in 1999, 2005, and 2012. These visits were pivotal in establishing and enhancing diplomatic relations, trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Besides these official visits, he also paid numerous personal visits to India, which further illustrated his fondness for the country and its people. His interactions with Indian leaders and citizens helped foster goodwill and understanding, setting the stage for future collaborations.

Sheikh Hamad's fondness for India was also visible in his interactions with visiting Indian dignitaries. The last notable interaction was with PM Modi during his visit to Qatar in February 2024, where discussions on strengthening bilateral ties were a key focus. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had also met Sheikh Hamad in December 2020, further emphasizing the ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the two nations. These exchanges have been crucial in maintaining a robust partnership that addresses mutual interests in trade, energy, and cultural exchange.

The legacy of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani as a leader who championed development, modernization, and international cooperation will likely continue to resonate in the years to come. His vision for Qatar and his efforts to foster strong ties with countries like India have left an indelible mark on the region's political and economic landscape. As both nations mourn his passing, they also celebrate the enduring friendship and partnership that has flourished under his leadership. The impact of his policies and initiatives will serve as a foundation for continued collaboration between Qatar and India, ensuring that the bonds forged during his reign remain strong in the future.