India has declared a one-day state mourning for the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away recently. The national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly hoisted across the country on the day of mourning, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Official Mourning Protocols Announced
The MEA stated on Sunday that there will be no official entertainment on the day of mourning. This decision reflects India's respect for the former Qatari leader, who played a significant role in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. Sheikh Hamad was the Emir of Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013.
Impact on India-Qatar Relations
Sheikh Hamad's tenure saw a deepening of economic and diplomatic relations with India, particularly in the energy sector. India imports a significant portion of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar. The mourning period underscores the close ties between the two countries.
