India expresses condolence for the death of Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al‑Thani

Former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al‑Thani, who ruled from 1995 to 2013, died on 12 July at the age of 74. The Indian government announced a one‑day national mourning period, with the national flag flown at half‑mast on government buildings.

Indian Ambassador Vipul attended a community condolence meeting in Doha organized by expatriate groups. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju travelled to Qatar to convey India’s sympathy to the current Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al‑Thani. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Emir Tamim by phone, expressing deep sorrow and reaffirming the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement noting Sheikh Hamad’s role in strengthening India‑Qatar ties, and Modi posted on social media that the former Emir’s legacy would continue to guide bilateral relations.