- India observed national mourning for former Qatar Emir.
- PM Modi offered condolences for Qatar’s late former Emir.
- Union Minister Rijiju visited Qatar, extended India’s sympathies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to convey India’s condolences over the passing of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Remembering the late leader’s contribution to bilateral ties, Modi said his enduring legacy would continue to guide India and Qatar as the two countries deepen their strategic partnership.
The conversation comes days after India observed a one-day national mourning in honour of the former Qatari ruler, underlining the importance New Delhi attaches to its relationship with Doha and Sheikh Hamad’s role in strengthening bilateral ties.
PM Modi Recalls Sheikh Hamad’s Contribution
Sharing details of the conversation on X, Prime Minister Modi said he conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Qatar and recalled Sheikh Hamad’s affection for India and the Indian community living in the Gulf nation.
“Spoke with HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar and conveyed heartfelt condolences on the passing of HH the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Recalled his deep affection for India, his warmth towards the Indian community in Qatar and his steadfast commitment to India-Qatar relations. His enduring legacy will continue to guide our two countries as we further strengthen our Strategic Partnership.”
Spoke with H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar and conveyed heartfelt condolences on the passing of H.H. the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Recalled his deep affection for India, his warmth towards the Indian community in Qatar and his…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 16, 2026
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, passed away on July 12. During his leadership, Qatar emerged as one of the world’s wealthiest nations and significantly expanded its diplomatic and economic engagement with countries across the world, including India.
Kiren Rijiju Represents India In Qatar
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju travelled to Qatar to represent India at the condolence ceremonies and personally conveyed the country’s sympathies to the Qatari leadership.
In a post on X, Rijiju said he delivered condolences on behalf of the Government of India, Prime Minister Modi and the people of India.
“On behalf of the Government of India, Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji and the people of India, I conveyed deepest condolences to HH the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sad demise of Father Amir of Qatar HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.”
On behalf of the Government of India, Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji and the people of India, I conveyed deepest condolences to HH the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sad demise of Father Amir of Qatar HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
I thank HH…
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 15, 2026
Rijiju also thanked the Qatari leadership for the warm reception extended to him during the visit. He expressed gratitude to the Amir, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries for their hospitality and for their continued warmth towards India and the Indian community living in Qatar.
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Highlighting Sheikh Hamad’s contribution to bilateral relations, Rijiju said the former ruler played a key role in laying the foundation of the close partnership the two countries enjoy today.
“Father Amir was a visionary leader who nurtured the historic India-Qatar friendship that has since transformed into a strategic partnership. His legacy will continue to inspire us to further strengthen our bilateral ties,” Rijiju added.
India Observed National Mourning
India also paid tribute through official diplomatic channels.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela visited the Embassy of the State of Qatar in New Delhi to sign the condolence book on behalf of the Government and people of India.
To honour Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Government of India observed a one-day national mourning on Monday, July 13.
As part of the tribute, the national flag was flown at half-mast across the country.
The national mourning followed a directive issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, which stated that the national flag would remain at half-mast throughout the country and that official entertainment would be suspended for the day.
Prime Minister Modi had earlier paid tribute to Sheikh Hamad, describing him as a visionary statesman whose leadership transformed Qatar into one of the world’s most prosperous countries.
He also credited the late Father Amir with strengthening India-Qatar relations, which have grown steadily over the years into a strategic partnership spanning trade, investment, energy, defence and people-to-people ties.
India and Qatar today share close economic relations, with Qatar remaining one of India’s key energy partners and home to a large Indian expatriate community.
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