India declares one-daydeclares one-day national mourning for former Qatar emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani
India declared one day of national mourning for the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the former Emir of Qatar who ruled from 1995 to 2013, starting on July 13, 2026.
This gesture honors a key regional leader and reflects India's diplomatic ties with Qatar, a major energy partner and strategic ally in the Gulf region.
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani was known for modernizing Qatar's economy and media, including launching Al Jazeera in 1996.
- Qatar and India share strong relations, with Qatar being one of India's largest crude oil suppliers and a key investor in the country's infrastructure.
- The former Emir passed away in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on July 11, 2026, at the age of 78.
