Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the demise of former Qatar Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as a visionary leader and a true friend. He conveyed condolences to Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the royal family and the people of Qatar.
PM Modi recalled meeting Sheikh Hamad during his visit to Qatar in February 2024 and credited him with leading Qatar to remarkable levels of development and prosperity during his years in office.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 12, 2026
The Amiri Diwan announced that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 74.
According to the Qatar News Agency, the statement paid tribute to his contributions to the nation and prayed for mercy upon his soul.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before handing over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. During his tenure, Qatar witnessed significant economic, social and cultural development, strengthening its standing in the Arab world and internationally, according to the Amiri Diwan.
Born in Doha in January 1952, Sheikh Hamad completed his education in Qatar before graduating from the British Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in 1971. He later joined the Qatar Armed Forces, rising to the rank of Major General and playing a key role in modernising the military.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was appointed Heir Apparent and Minister of Defence in 1977, and in 1989 became Chairman of the Supreme Council for Planning, overseeing the country’s social and economic policies before assuming power in June 1995.
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