New Delhi, July 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to convey India’s deepest condolences following the passing of the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The discussion reflected the close diplomatic relationship between India and Qatar and highlighted the late leader’s lasting influence on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The Father Amir, who passed away on July 12 at the age of 74, played a transformative role in shaping modern Qatar and fostering strong ties with India. During the call, Prime Minister Modi recalled the late leader’s affection for India and acknowledged his commitment to promoting friendship between the two nations over several decades.
Modi Pays Tribute to a Visionary Statesman
Sharing details of the conversation on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi said he conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the Qatari leadership and people during this difficult period.
The Prime Minister remembered Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani as a respected global leader whose vision transformed Qatar into one of the world’s most prosperous nations while simultaneously strengthening its international partnerships.
Modi also highlighted the Father Amir’s warm relationship with the Indian community living and working in Qatar. He noted that the late leader consistently encouraged closer cooperation between New Delhi and Doha across political, economic and cultural sectors.
According to the Prime Minister, the Father Amir’s legacy would continue inspiring both countries as they work together to deepen their strategic partnership in the years ahead.
India Observes National Mourning
As a mark of respect for the departed leader, the Government of India declared a one-day state mourning on July 13.
During the national mourning period, the Indian national flag was flown at half-mast across government buildings, and official ceremonies were conducted in accordance with established protocols. The decision reflected India’s recognition of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and his long-standing friendship with the country.
The gesture also underscored the importance India places on its relationship with Qatar, one of its key strategic partners in the Gulf region.
Special Envoy Sent to Doha
To personally convey India’s condolences, the Central Government deputed Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to Doha shortly after the Father Amir’s passing.
Representing the Government and people of India, Rijiju met Qatar’s leadership and expressed solidarity during the period of mourning. His visit symbolized the importance attached by New Delhi to maintaining close diplomatic engagement with Qatar.
The minister’s presence reaffirmed India’s commitment to preserving the long-standing partnership that has steadily expanded over the past several decades.
A Leader Who Modernised Qatar
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani served as Qatar’s ruler for nearly eighteen years before voluntarily transferring power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013.
During his leadership, Qatar experienced remarkable economic growth driven by the development of its natural gas industry, infrastructure expansion, educational reforms and global diplomatic outreach.
The Father Amir also positioned Qatar as an influential international player through investments, mediation efforts and ambitious development initiatives that transformed the country’s global standing.
His governance laid the foundation for Qatar’s continued economic success and modernization.
Strong India-Qatar Partnership
India and Qatar have steadily expanded cooperation in several strategic sectors, including energy security, trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, education, healthcare and defence.
Qatar remains one of India’s major suppliers of liquefied natural gas (LNG), making energy cooperation a cornerstone of bilateral relations.
The two countries also maintain growing collaboration in digital innovation, food security, maritime cooperation and investment opportunities.
Diplomatic exchanges at the highest levels have further strengthened mutual trust and opened new avenues for economic collaboration.
Indian Community Plays Vital Role
One of the strongest pillars of India-Qatar relations is the vibrant Indian diaspora residing in Qatar.
More than 800,000 Indians contribute significantly to Qatar’s economy across sectors such as construction, healthcare, education, engineering, finance and information technology.
Successive Qatari governments have acknowledged the valuable role played by the Indian community in the country’s development.
Prime Minister Modi’s remarks during the conversation reflected appreciation for the Father Amir’s positive approach toward the welfare of Indian nationals living in Qatar.
Growing High-Level Engagement
The telephonic exchange between Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani continues the regular high-level engagement between the leadership of both nations.
Prime Minister Modi had earlier visited Qatar in February 2024, where he met both the Amir and the Father Amir. During that visit, discussions focused on expanding cooperation in energy, trade, investment, digital technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Those meetings further elevated bilateral ties and reinforced the strategic importance of the India-Qatar partnership.
Legacy of Friendship
The passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani marks the end of an important chapter in Qatar’s modern history. His leadership not only transformed his country but also laid a strong foundation for enduring international partnerships, including with India.
Prime Minister Modi’s condolences and India’s diplomatic outreach demonstrate the warmth and mutual respect shared between the two nations.
As both countries continue to deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, the legacy of the Father Amir is expected to remain a guiding force in advancing India-Qatar relations and expanding their strategic partnership in the years ahead.