India announces 1-day mourning after death of ex-Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad

India has announced a one-day national mourning on Monday following the death of Qatar's former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, honouring the leader who transformed the Gulf nation into a global economic and diplomatic power.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the national flag will fly at half-mast across the country on July 13, while official entertainment will remain suspended as a mark of respect for the late ruler.

Sheikh Hamad died on Sunday at the age of 74. The Qatari government announced his death but did not disclose the cause. He is widely credited with reshaping Qatar through sweeping economic reforms, expanding its global influence and laying the foundation for its role as a major energy exporter and international



mediator.

In a statement, the MEA said the Government of India had declared a day of national mourning to honour Sheikh Hamad's legacy.

"The Government of India has declared one-day national mourning tomorrow, 13 July 2026, as a mark of respect for His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar, who passed away today," the ministry said.

"The National Flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day."

The MEA also said Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to travel to Qatar to convey India's condolences on behalf of the government.