New Delhi: The Indian government on Monday declared a day of national mourning on the death of former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Sheikh Hamad, 74, died on Sunday. The Qatar government did not reveal the cause of death.

The Foreign Ministry said that Sheikh Hamad played a major role in transforming Qatar from a small Gulf country to a global economic and diplomatic power. India declared mourning on 13 July 2026 in his honour.

What decisions did the government take?   

According to the MEA statement, the national flag will be flown at half mast on government buildings across the country on the day of mourning. Also there will be no official entertainment program. The ministry said that Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju may go to Qatar to express condolences on behalf of the Indian government.

PM Modi paid tribute      

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X and described Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader. they wrote, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar. He led Qatar to the heights of development and prosperity."  

The PM said that he had the privilege of meeting him during his visit to Qatar in February 2024. Expressing condolences to the current Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the royal family and the people of Qatar, Modi said, "May his soul rest in peace."  

leaders who change qatar   

Sheikh Hamad took power in 1995 and ruled Qatar for 18 years. During this time he changed the map of the country. His biggest contribution was to establish Qatar’s LNG sector. Through huge investments he made Qatar the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas.

The wealth that came from energy gave Qatar an important place in the global economy. His focus also remained on infrastructure, education and media in Doha. Platforms like Al Jazeera and big infra projects became the hallmark of his era. In 2013, Sheikh Hamad himself stepped down and handed over power to his son Sheikh Tamim.

He had said that now the new generation should come forward with new ideas. Relations between India and Qatar also strengthened during his tenure. A deep partnership was formed between the two countries on energy, trade and diaspora issues. For this reason, India has announced state mourning on his death.