Qatar Father Amir Death: The Government of India has announced one day national mourning on 13 July 2026 on the death of former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Know why the decision was taken to lower the tricolor at half mast, what PM Modi said and what is the purpose of Kiren Rijiju’s visit to Qatar.
The Government of India has declared one-day national mourning across the country on 13 July 2026 on the demise of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, former Emir of Qatar. According to the official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this decision has been taken to express respect for the late leader. During national mourning, wherever the national flag is regularly hoisted across the country, the tricolor will remain at half mast and no official government entertainment program will be organised.
Foreign Ministry issued official statement
In a statement issued on July 12, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the Government of India has declared national mourning on July 13 on the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. During this period, the tricolor will remain at half mast at all government buildings and places where the national flag is hoisted regularly. The government has clarified that no official entertainment program will be organized on the day of national mourning. This step is being considered a symbol of the long-standing friendly relations between India and Qatar and respect for the late leader.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Describing him as a visionary leader, he said that under his leadership Qatar established new dimensions of development and prosperity. The Prime Minister also said that he was a true friend of India and played an important role in strengthening the relations between the two countries. After the Prime Minister’s condolence message, the Government of India has also started the process of expressing condolences at the official level.
Kiren Rijiju will go to Qatar from India’s side
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will visit Qatar on behalf of the Government of India to express condolences. His visit will be aimed at conveying India’s official tribute and condolence message on the demise of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
India and Qatar have a strong partnership in the strategic, economic and energy sectors. In such a situation, the declaration of national mourning on the death of the former Emir also reflects the special relations and mutual respect between the two countries.