India Observes National Mourning for Qatar's Former Emir
Flags fly at half-mast as India honors Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
India is observing one-day national mourning today after the passing of Qatar's former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. As a mark of respect, the national flag at Rashtrapati Bhavan is flying at half-mast.
The same tribute is being seen at other major landmarks in New Delhi. The tricolour is also at half-mast at Parliament House and Samvidhan Sadan, the Old Parliament Building.
Flag tribute is also visible at South Block and North Block, showing India's respect for the late leader, also known as the Father Amir, who passed away on July 12 at the age of 74.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said on Sunday that the national flag would fly at half-mast across the country on Monday, July 13, and all official entertainment would be suspended.
The Qatari government confirmed his death on Sunday, but the cause was not shared.
As India joins Qatar in mourning, more solemn scenes were seen in the capital this morning.
The tricolour was seen flying at half-mast at the Qatar Embassy in New Delhi, reflecting the close friendship between the two countries.
Other government buildings also joined the tribute today. The national flag is flying at half-mast at Krishi Bhavan, Rail Bhavan, the Air Force Building, and the Seva Teerth complex.
According to the MEA statement released on Sunday, the Government of India declared this day of national mourning to honour Sheikh Hamad's legacy.
"The 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 ministry stated.
"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."
The MEA also said Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will travel to Qatar to deliver the Indian government's official condolences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad, calling him a forward-looking leader who helped Qatar grow into one of the richest nations in the world and strengthened ties with India.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister stated, "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."
"I extend my sincerest condolences to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the noble royal family and the Qatari people. May his soul rest in eternal peace," he added.
Sheikh Hamad became Qatar's leader in 1995 and served for 18 years. During this time, he led major changes that transformed the country.
He is widely known for modernising Qatar, improving the economy, raising its global profile, and building the base for its role as a top energy exporter.
He also backed major investment in Qatar's liquefied natural gas sector, helping turn the country into a leading global LNG exporter.
This growth brought huge wealth to Qatar and made it a stronger name in international finance. His leadership also changed Doha's skyline through major infrastructure and modernisation projects.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad stepped down and handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, saying it was time for a new generation to lead the country.
AI contributed to the creation of this article.