India Declares National Mourning for Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Quick Look
- India announced a one-day national mourning on July 13, 2026, following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar.
- The national flag will be flown at half-mast, and official entertainment will be canceled as a mark of respect for the former ruler, who passed away at 74.
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Why It Matters
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, deposing his father in a bloodless coup and voluntarily abdicating to his son. He died at the age of 74.
India declared one day of national mourning on the demise of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, father of current Qatar ruler Qatar, announced the ministry of external affairs on Sunday.
"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," said the MEA.
Pm Modi had expressed condolences calling the former emir "A visionary leader".
"We feel profound sadness at the death of the Father Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. 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 honor of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024," the PM had said.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar who ruled the Gulf nation from 1995 to 2013, died at the age of 74. He came to power after deposing his father in a bloodless palace coup. In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad became one of the few Gulf rulers to voluntarily abdicate, handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. His decision was said to be an effort to ensure a smooth generational transition and prepare the country for future leadership.
