Former Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who ruled the Gulf state from 1995 to 2013, has died at the age of 74, according to Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, the country’s top government body.

Hamad abdicated in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim, in June 2013 after an 18-year rule that began when he overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1995.

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A legacy cast well beyond the desert

The former ruler was widely credited with helping transform Qatar from a smaller, Bedouin-rooted state into a far more prominent regional power.

Hamad’s tenure reshaped Qatar’s global profile, particularly through the expansion of Al Jazeera and the country’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Qatar, despite its relatively small population, became a heavyweight in liquefied natural gas (LNG), international investment and Middle East diplomacy.

The Amiri Diwan announced the death on Sunday morning and offered condolences, saying the emir had died after a public life that left a major imprint on the country’s modern identity.

A solemn nod from New Delhi

In India, the Ministry of External Affairs said the government has declared one day of national mourning on Monday, July 13, as a mark of respect.

The national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is normally hoisted, and there will be no official entertainment during the mourning period, according to the MEA statement.

The measure places India among the states formally recognising Hamad’s death with official observance.

What explains the warmth in India’s tribute to Sheikh Hamad?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the former emir, describing him as “a visionary leader who guided Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity.”

Modi also called Hamad “a true friend” and said he had met him during his last visit to Qatar in February 2024. The reaction underlined the close ties between New Delhi and Doha during and after his rule.

The developments come as both countries continue to build on an expanded relationship rooted in trade, energy and wider diplomatic engagement.

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FAQs

Q1: Why has India declared a national mourning for Qatar’s former emir?

India declared a one-day national mourning on July 13 to honour former Qatar emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani following his death at the age of 74.

Q2: Who was Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani?

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was Qatar’s emir from 1995 to 2013 and is credited with transforming the country into a major global economic and diplomatic player.