India Observes National Mourning For Former Qatar Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani

India observed one day of national mourning on Monday to pay homage to Qatar’s former Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who died on Sunday at the age of 74.

The Government of India flew the national flag at half-mast on Rashtrapati Bhavan and other government buildings across the country as part of the official mourning.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared photographs of the tribute on social media.

The National Flag flies at half-mast as India observes one-day national mourning as mark of respect for His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar.

Pictures from New Delhi ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/KOZRtnZLgD

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 13, 2026

The Government of India announced the national mourning on Sunday as a gesture of respect for the late Qatari statesman.

The Government of India ordered the Tricolour to be flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly displayed and cancelled all official entertainment programmes during the one-day national mourning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad, describing him as a ‘visionary leader’ and a ‘true friend’ of India.

PM Modi extended his condolences to Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the royal family, and the people of Qatar.

The Ministry of External Affairs announced that Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will travel to Qatar to convey condolences on behalf of the Government of India.

Sheikh Hamad led Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he handed over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. His leadership oversaw a period of remarkable economic growth, social progress, and cultural development that transformed Qatar into a prominent regional and global power. He also played an important role in strengthening the country’s diplomatic ties with nations around the world, including India.

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