India has announced a one-day national mourning on Monday (July 13) following the death of Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The former Emir, who was 74 years old at the time of his death, is credited with transforming the Persian Gulf nation into a key player in diplomacy, media, and investment across national boundaries.
Sheikh Hamad headed the gas-rich Gulf country of Qatar from 1995 to 2013. During his rule, he shattered tradition by voluntarily handing over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim, the current leader of the gas-rich country. He stepped down in June 2013 after 18 years as emir.
India’s tricolour will be flown at half-mast and there will be no official entertainment on the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences at the demise of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, noting that he was
