‘Close Friend Of India’: PM Modi Condoles Death Of Qatar's Former Ruler Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani

Published 12 July 2026 · india

‘Close Friend Of India’: PM Modi Condoles Death Of Qatar's Ruler Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Published By, Last Updated: July 12, 2026, 12:51

‘Close Friend Of India’: PM Modi Condoles Death Of Qatar's Ruler Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Published By, Last Updated: July 12, 2026, 12:51 IST 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. Rapid Read PM Modi Pays Tribute To Qatar's Father Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani. (Agencies) 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. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: July 12, 2026, 12:51 IST News india ‘Close Friend Of India’: PM Modi Condoles Death Of Qatar's Ruler Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.