Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 12 July 2026 expressed deep condolences on the passing of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, describing him as a 'visionary leader' and a 'true friend' of India. Modi recalled meeting Sheikh Hamad during his visit to Qatar in February 2024 and conveyed his sympathies to the current Amir and the Qatari people.

Context

HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 until 2013, a period that saw the Gulf state transform into one of the world's foremost exporters of liquefied natural gas. His tenure was marked by rapid modernisation, the expansion of Qatar's international profile, and the establishment of institutions that reshaped the country's economic and diplomatic standing. In 2013, he abdicated in favour of his son, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a rare and orderly generational transfer of power in the Gulf region.

Modi wrote 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.'

Policy Backdrop

India and Qatar share deep structural ties anchored in energy security. Qatar is among India's most significant suppliers of LNG, and the bilateral relationship has been carefully cultivated by successive Indian governments through personal diplomacy with the Qatari ruling family. More than 700,000 Indian expatriates live and work in Qatar, making the welfare of the Indian diaspora a consistent priority in bilateral engagements.

Modi's February 2024 visit to Doha was a significant milestone in recent India-Qatar ties, during which he met both the current Amir and other senior Qatari leaders. Condolence messages of this nature from the Indian Prime Minister's office to Gulf royal families form an established part of diplomatic protocol, reinforcing partnerships that span energy, trade, defence cooperation, and labour welfare.

Stakeholders and Impact

The passing of Sheikh Hamad is being mourned across the Gulf and among nations with close ties to Qatar. For India, the message from Modi carries both symbolic and strategic weight, reaffirming New Delhi's respect for the Qatari royal family at a moment of national grief. The current Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani — to whom Modi directly addressed his condolences and tagged on X — has continued the economic diversification and international partnership policies of his father's era.

The large Indian community in Qatar, numbering over seven lakh, is also directly affected, as Sheikh Hamad's leadership shaped the modern Qatar they inhabit. Modi's public message signals to that community that the Indian government stands in solidarity with their host nation during a period of mourning.

What's Next

India's Ministry of External Affairs is expected to issue a formal statement elaborating on the bilateral relationship and may announce participation by Indian officials in any state memorial events organised by Qatar. Observers will watch for any impact on scheduled bilateral dialogues, energy contract negotiations, or diplomatic exchanges between the two countries in the coming weeks. Modi's message, addressed personally to @TamimBinHamad, underscores India's intent to maintain the warmth of ties with the current Qatari leadership through this transition of mourning.