Post by : Bianca
Haleem
The Indian government has designated July 13 as a day of national mourning in remembrance of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Father Amir of Qatar, who has died at the age of 74.
The Ministry of External Affairs announced this decision on Sunday, emphasizing it as a gesture of respect for the deceased ruler of Qatar.
During this mourning period, the Indian national flag will be displayed at half-mast nationwide on Monday, with no official functions scheduled for the day.
Condolences from Prime Minister Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow regarding the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, calling him a visionary leader who greatly advanced Qatar's development and prosperity.
In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi reflected on his meeting with the former Emir during his February 2024 visit to Qatar and called Sheikh Hamad a true friend of India.
He offered his condolences to Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, alongside the royal family and the citizens of Qatar.
Indian Representative to Attend Qatar Mourning
The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, will represent India in Qatar to extend condolences on behalf of the Indian government.
Read More: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Former Emir of Qatar, Dies at 74
This visit aims to demonstrate India's respect for the late Emir and solidarity with the Qatari people during their time of mourning.
Sheikh Hamad: Architect of Modern Qatar
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani was Qatar's Emir from 1995 until 2013, during which the nation underwent significant economic, social, and cultural development, solidifying its global standing.
Under his leadership, Qatar became the world's top exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and expanded its international partnerships through substantial investment initiatives.
In light of his passing, Qatar has set a four-day public mourning period, which commenced on Sunday.
Enduring Bonds Between India and Qatar
The ties between India and Qatar significantly strengthened during Sheikh Hamad's rule, with a notable increase in the Indian expatriate community in Qatar during this time.
His official visits to India in 1999, 2005, and 2012 demonstrated the growing relationship between the two nations.
India's initiative for national mourning underscores the importance of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani's influence on both Qatar's development and the robust diplomatic relations enjoyed by the two countries.
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