New Delhi: The Government of India has declared a one-day national mourning across the country on Monday, July 13, as a mark of respect on the demise of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, former Ruler and ‘Father Emir’ of Qatar. During this period, the national flag will remain at half mast across the country and no official entertainment program will be organised. Qatar has also declared four days of public mourning from Sunday in honor of Sheikh Hamad, who died at the age of 74. The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that the national flag will fly at half mast across India on Monday and there will be no official entertainment programs on that day.
PM Modi expressed condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Sheikh Hamad and described him as a true friend of India and a visionary leader who led the development of Qatar. “A visionary leader who took Qatar to higher levels of development and prosperity, we also remember him as a true friend whom I had the privilege of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024,” PM Modi said on social media. PM Modi expressed his condolences to Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the royal family and the people of Qatar.
The national flag will fly at half mast on all buildings
Sheikh Hamad handed over power in 2013 to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is the current Emir of Qatar. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the government declared a day of national mourning on Monday in honor of Sheikh Hamad. “On the day of mourning, the national flag will remain at half-mast on all buildings across India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment programs on the day,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. It is reported that Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will visit Qatar “soon” to express condolences on behalf of the Indian government. Qatar has already declared four days of public mourning for the late leader.
Ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. During his 18-year rule, the energy-rich country witnessed unprecedented economic, social and cultural progress, giving Qatar a strong identity on the global stage. It was during the tenure of Sheikh Hamad that the bilateral relations between India and Qatar got a new direction. During his reign, there was a huge increase in the number of Indian expatriates living in Qatar.
Also read:
India and Qatar can finalize terms of reference for FTA this week, 14th round of talks will start with EU today
India-Qatar Relation: India-Qatar will double the bilateral trade to 28 billion dollars, know what happened
SK Sharma is a content writer who writes on news, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. She has over four years of experience and is known for conveying information in simple and clear language.
