India declared one-day national mourning on 13 July 2026 as a mark of respect following the demise of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of Qatar and former Emir of Qatar. Sheikh Hamad passed away on 12 July 2026 at the age of 74. 

During the mourning period, the National Flag was flown at half-mast across all government buildings where it is regularly displayed, and No official entertainment organized by the Government of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a visionary leader who transformed Qatar into a prosperous nation and remained a true friend of India.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

• Former Emir of Qatar, who ruled from 1995 to 2013.
• Widely known as the Father Amir of Qatar.
• Credited with transforming Qatar into one of the world’s most prosperous and influential Gulf nations through rapid socio-economic development.
• Played a major role in strengthening India–Qatar bilateral relations.

Early Life

• Born: January 1952, Doha, Qatar.
• Graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (United Kingdom).
• Joined the Qatar Armed Forces in 1971.
• Rose through the ranks to become a Major General.
• Instrumental in modernising and strengthening Qatar’s armed forces, particularly its ordnance capabilities.

Rise to Power

• Assumed power in 1995 after a bloodless palace coup, replacing his father.
• Expanded Qatar’s regional and international influence through active diplomacy and economic reforms.

Major Contributions

Economic & Social Development

• Led Qatar’s rapid socio-economic transformation.
• Utilized the country’s vast energy resources to build modern infrastructure and improve living standards.

International Influence

• Significantly enhanced Qatar’s global diplomatic and strategic profile.
• Expanded the country’s international outreach and influence in global affairs.

Voluntary Abdication

• In June 2013, voluntarily abdicated the throne in favour of his son,
  Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir of Qatar.
• One of the few Gulf rulers to voluntarily transfer power, ensuring a smooth generational leadership transition.

India–Qatar Relations

• Sheikh Hamad played a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Qatar. Official Visits to India: 1999, 2005, 2012
• In addition to official visits, he also made several personal visits to India, contributing to stronger diplomatic and people-to-people ties.