Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed condolences on the passing of Qatar’s Father Amir, describing him as a visionary leader and a “close friend of India”.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “We
deeply mourn the passing of Father Amir of the State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. A visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity, we also remember him as a true friend whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar in February 2024.”
The Prime Minister also expressed his sincere condolences to the Amir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the entire royal family and people of Qatar. “May the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.
We deeply mourn the passing of Father Amir of State of Qatar, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. A visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity, we remember him also as a true friend whom I had the honour of meeting during my last visit to Qatar…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 12, 2026
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who served as the Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, died at the age of 74, the country’s Amiri Diwan announced on Sunday.
Widely regarded as the architect of modern Qatar, Sheikh Hamad oversaw the country’s transformation into a major global player through its vast natural gas wealth, investments, diplomacy and infrastructure development. During his rule, Qatar launched the Al Jazeera media network, expanded Qatar Airways, developed Hamad International Airport and secured the hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad made the rare decision to voluntarily abdicate in favour of his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who has since served as the country’s Emir.
PM Modi had visited Qatar in February 2024, when he met the country’s leadership and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Qatar.
