India declares national mourning for Qatar's former Emir

India has declared a national day of mourning on Monday, July 13, 2026, following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar. The 74-year-old leader, known as the "Father Amir," died on Sunday, July 12. As a mark of respect, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across India on all government buildings where it is regularly displayed, and there will be no official entertainment for the day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader who guided Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity and a true friend of India. Modi noted he had the honor of meeting the former leader during his visit to Qatar in February 2024. The government announced that Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju is expected to travel to Qatar shortly to convey India's condolences to the Qatari leadership on behalf of the nation.

Sheikh Hamad served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 until 2013, when he handed power to his son, the current Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He is widely credited with transforming the small Gulf state into a major regional and global power. Under...