Indian Flag Fly Half-Mast As Country Mourns Death of Qatar's Father Amir Sheikh Hamad

India on Sunday announced a one-day state mourning on July 13 following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar and the country's Father Amir, who passed away at the age of 74.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that the National Flag would be flown at half-mast across India on Monday. There will also be no official entertainment during the day of mourning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over Sheikh Hamad's demise, describing him as a visionary leader who guided Qatar towards development and prosperity while strengthening the country's 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,'' he wrote on X.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to travel to Qatar in the coming days to convey condolences on behalf of the Indian government.

How Sheikh Hamad Reshaped Qatar

Sheikh Hamad served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he handed over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. During his 18-year rule, Qatar emerged as one of the Gulf region's most influential countries.

He came to power in June 1995 after removing his father in a bloodless coup while the latter was abroad. At the time, Qatar had limited geopolitical influence despite possessing some of the world's largest natural gas reserves.

During his reign, Qatar expanded its liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, helping the country become one of the world's leading LNG exporters. The energy boom fuelled rapid economic growth and turned the country into one of the world's wealthiest nations in terms of GDP per capita.

His tenure also saw several investments in infrastructure, education and international partnerships which helped raise Qatar's profile on the global stage.