Kiren Rijiju flies to Doha to convey India's condolences on former Qatar Amir's death
Synopsis
India sent a senior cabinet minister to Doha to pay its respects after the death of Qatar's former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani — the man who transformed a small Gulf state into a global power. With a large Indian diaspora in Qatar and critical LNG ties at stake, New Delhi's swift diplomatic response signals just how much the bilateral relationship matters.
Key Takeaways
Kiren Rijiju departed for Doha on 15 July 2025 to convey India's official condolences.
Qatar's former Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani passed away on 12 July at age 74 .
India declared one day of national mourning ; the national flag flew at half-mast atop Rashtrapati Bhavan .
PM Modi described Sheikh Hamad as a 'visionary leader' and 'true friend,' referencing their meeting in February 2024 .
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before handing power to his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani .
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju departed for Doha, Qatar on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, to convey India's official condolences on the passing of Qatar's former Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who died on 12 July at the age of 74. The visit marks India's formal diplomatic response to the death of one of the Gulf region's most consequential leaders.
India's Official Condolences
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the visit, stating that Rijiju had departed to convey condolences 'on behalf of the Government and people of India.' The MEA described Sheikh Hamad as 'instrumental in building modern Qatar and a great friend of India,' crediting him with an 'invaluable contribution to building our bilateral relationship.'
India had earlier declared one day of national mourning following the former Amir's demise. On Monday, the national flag atop Rashtrapati Bhavan and other buildings across Delhi flew at half-mast as a mark of respect.
PM Modi's Personal Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on Sunday, posting a personal tribute on X. '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 in February 2024,' Modi wrote. He also conveyed condolences to the current Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the royal family.
Who Was Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, a period that saw the country undergo sweeping economic, social, and cultural transformation. He is widely credited with elevating Qatar's standing within the Arab world and the international community, including the launch of Al Jazeera and Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In 2013, he voluntarily handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim, in a rare and peaceful transfer of authority in the Gulf region.
India-Qatar Ties in Focus
The diplomatic gesture carries added weight given the significance of the India-Qatar relationship. Qatar is home to a large Indian diaspora and is a critical supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India. Modi's visit to Doha in February 2024 — which he referenced in his tribute — had reinforced bilateral ties, including discussions on energy security and the welfare of Indian workers in Qatar. Rijiju's mission to Doha underscores New Delhi's intent to maintain continuity and warmth in the relationship under the new leadership of Sheikh Tamim.
Point of View
000 Indian workers in Qatar, this is not purely a gesture of protocol. The speed and seniority of the response also signals that New Delhi is keen to reassure the new Amir, Sheikh Tamim, of continuity in ties. What is less discussed is how India's diplomatic standing in the Gulf has quietly deepened over the last decade, making these moments of personal statecraft increasingly consequential.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kiren Rijiju travel to Doha?
Kiren Rijiju flew to Doha on 15 July 2025 to convey India's official condolences on the death of Qatar's former Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away on 12 July at age 74. He represented the Government of India in this diplomatic mission.
Who was Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani?
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was Qatar's former Amir who ruled the country from 1995 to 2013. He is credited with transforming Qatar into a modern state, launching Al Jazeera, and securing the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosting rights, before voluntarily handing power to his son Sheikh Tamim.
How did India respond to the death of Qatar's former Amir?
India declared one day of national mourning, flew the national flag at half-mast atop Rashtrapati Bhavan and other Delhi buildings, and PM Modi posted a personal tribute on X. Cabinet minister Kiren Rijiju was subsequently dispatched to Doha to convey formal condolences.
What did PM Modi say about Sheikh Hamad?
PM Modi described Sheikh Hamad as 'a visionary leader who led Qatar to great levels of development and prosperity' and 'a true friend.' He referenced a personal meeting with the former Amir during his visit to Qatar in February 2024.
Why does the India-Qatar relationship matter?
Qatar is one of India's key LNG suppliers and is home to a large Indian diaspora. The bilateral relationship, strengthened significantly during Sheikh Hamad's era, is central to India's energy security and the welfare of Indian workers in the Gulf region.
