India declared a one-day national mourning on Monday as a mark of respect for former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who passed away at the age of 74. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday that the National Flag would be flown at half-mast throughout India on all buildings where it is regularly displayed, and no official entertainment would be held on the day.
Government's Official Announcement
The MEA stated that the government declared a one-day national mourning on Monday in honour of Sheikh Hamad, the father Emir of Qatar. The decision underscores the strong bilateral ties between India and Qatar. Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, was widely credited with transforming the country into a modern, prosperous nation.
PM Modi's Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Sheikh Hamad as a "visionary leader who guided Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity." In a social media post, Modi added, "We also remember him as a true friend whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024." The Qatari leader passed away this morning, according to reports.
Impact on India-Qatar Relations
Sheikh Hamad's tenure saw significant growth in Qatar's economy and its global standing, particularly in energy exports. India and Qatar have maintained strong diplomatic and economic relations, with Qatar being a key supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India. The mourning period reflects the deep respect India holds for the former emir, who played a pivotal role in fostering ties between the two nations.
