Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was the ruler of Qatar from 1995 to 2013.
India has declared one day of national mourning on the death of Father Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He died last Sunday i.e. 12th July at the age of 74. He was the ruler of Qatar from 1995 to 2013. At present his son Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani is on the throne of Qatar. The Government of India has announced national mourning today i.e. on 13th July. After this announcement, the national flag will remain at half mast on all important buildings. There will be no official entertainment programs.
Let us understand with this excuse that when and why does India declare national mourning on the death of a foreign leader? What are its rules? What happens during mourning? And what doesn’t happen at all?
India does not declare national mourning every time on the death of a foreign leader. This is a special diplomatic and sensitive decision. National mourning means that the Government of India publicly expresses respect and sorrow for the deceased person. This decision is taken considering India’s relations with that country, the global importance of the leader and his contribution towards India. National mourning is not a mere formality. It is also a message of India’s foreign policy, human compassion and diplomatic respect.
What is national mourning?
National mourning is the official way of expressing grief on behalf of the entire country. In this, the government takes some respectable steps for a fixed period. The most important step is to lower the national flag at half mast. During national mourning, the message is given that the deceased person had special importance for India and the world. This honor can also be given to Indian leaders, social personalities and some foreign leaders. The central government declares national mourning. Normally the Home Ministry, External Affairs Ministry and other concerned departments are involved in this decision process.
Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Why does India do this?
There are many reasons behind national mourning. The first reason is human sensitivity. The death of a great leader is a deep sorrow for his country. India shows participation in that suffering. Diplomatic relations are also a major reason. When India declares mourning on the death of a leader of a friendly country, it is a sign of respect for the people and government of that country. This increases trust in bilateral relations. Many foreign leaders have increased cooperation with India in the fields of trade, defence, energy, education, culture or security. National mourning on his death becomes a way of acknowledging his contribution. This decision is also related to India’s thinking of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It means that the whole world is one family. India often expresses sympathy in times of global sorrow and crisis.
There is no fixed and mandatory rule for declaring national mourning on the death of a foreign leader. In every case the Government of India looks at the circumstances differently. It is not necessary that India declare national mourning on the death of every former or present head of a country. This is a discretionary decision of the government.
When there is national mourning in India, the tricolor remains at half mast.
Why is there a day of mourning?
The Indian government often declares a day of national mourning in cases of foreign leaders. Its duration may be different in every case. The central government has the right to decide the period. One day of mourning is a clear and dignified sign of respect from India. This shows the seriousness of India’s relations with the concerned country. Long days of mourning are usually observed in cases such as the death of current or former top constitutional officials of India.
VIDEO l Delhi: Qatar flag flown at half-mast at the Qatar Embassy after one-day national mourning was declared following the death of former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/papJvCBWnB
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 13, 2026
What happens in national mourning?
After declaring national mourning, the government issues a formal order. In this the date, duration and instructions to be followed are mentioned. Generally these things are included.
- The national flag flies at half mast: The tricolor is flown at half mast at places across the country where it is hoisted regularly. This may include major government buildings and institutions. Separate instructions can also be given for Indian embassies and high commissions located abroad. In many cases there too the national flag is flown at half mast. Flying the flag at half mast is considered an international symbol of mourning and respect. For this the flag rules of India are followed.
- There are no official entertainment programs: Official entertainment programs are not organized by the government during the period of national mourning. Such as cultural ceremonies, festive programs, government entertainment events or formal celebrations can be stopped. Its purpose is to maintain the dignity of mourning. However, important administrative work continues. Hospitals, police, security, transport and essential services function normally.
- Condolence message is issued: The President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister or other senior leaders can express condolences to the deceased leader. They remember the contribution of that leader and express sympathy towards the people and family of the country concerned. Many times a minister or special representative of India is also sent to the funeral or tribute ceremony. This step shows the closeness of relations.
- Condolences at diplomatic level: The Ministry of External Affairs of India delivers a formal message to the embassy or government of the concerned country. Condolences can also be expressed by visiting the embassy of that country in India. The Indian Ambassador or High Commissioner can meet the government of that country and give a condolence message on behalf of India.
#WATCH | Delhi | National flag atop Rashtrapati Bhavan flies at half mast to mourn the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar, who passed away on July 12th pic.twitter.com/NOIwmvZCAb
— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2026
Is there a holiday in national mourning?
National mourning does not always mean a public holiday. People often assume that schools, banks and government offices will remain closed when national mourning is declared. that’s not necessary. A separate government order is required for public holidays. Normal administration and essential services can continue during the national mourning. After 1997, public holidays with the declaration of mourning are not automatically considered mandatory.
If the government deems it appropriate, it can announce a separate holiday. But a one-day mourning declared upon the death of a foreign leader usually involves flying flags at half-mast and halting official entertainment programs.
On the demise of which prominent foreign personalities has there been national mourning before?
India has in the past declared national mourning on the demise of some foreign leaders. Such decisions show India’s special bilateral relations.
- After the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, India had declared a day of national mourning. Abe was considered a close friend of India. He played an important role in strengthening the India-Japan strategic partnership.
- India had also declared mourning on the death of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. India and UAE have strong ties through trade, investment, energy and diaspora.
Ibrahim Raisi. Photo:
- Even after the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, India observed a day of national mourning. At that time India had remembered his contribution to India-Iran relations.
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