India Declares One-Day National Mourning for Former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani

India declared one-day national mourning on 13 July 2026 for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the former Emir of Qatar and the Father Amir of the State of Qatar. The National Flag was flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly displayed, and no official entertainment was held in India on the day of mourning.

National Mourning in India

National mourning in India is declared by the Union Government on occasions of death of prominent national or foreign dignitaries. During such mourning, the National Flag is flown at half-mast under the Flag Code of India and official entertainment is suspended for the notified period.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. He abdicated voluntarily in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013.

India-Qatar Diplomatic Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on 12 July 2026. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju was expected to travel to Qatar to convey India’s condolences on behalf of the Government of India.

Important Facts for Exams

• The National Flag of India is flown at half-mast during official mourning periods notified by the Union Government.
• Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani was the ruler of Qatar from 1995 to 2013.
• Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became the Emir of Qatar in 2013.
• Qatar announced a four-day period of public mourning beginning on 12 July 2026.