India lowers its national flag mourning Qatar's former leader

India lowered its national flag across major government buildings on Monday to honour the passing of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. This diplomatic gesture highlights New Delhi's deep strategic ties with Doha, which supplies over forty percent of India's liquefied natural gas and currently hosts nearly eight lakh Indian expatriates.

National flags flew at half-mast over Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and both the North and South Blocks in the capital. Furthermore, the Ministry of External Affairs officially cancelled all state entertainment programmes for the day. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will soon travel to Doha to deliver official condolences on behalf of the Indian government.

Remembering an Influential Gulf Leader

Sheikh Hamad passed away on Sunday at the age of 74. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid warm tribute to the former Emir on social media platforms. He remembered the late ruler as a true friend and a strong visionary who transformed his nation into an incredibly wealthy energy exporter. Modi recalled their recent personal meeting in February 2024, while offering deep sympathies to the mourning royal family and the citizens of Qatar.

Taking control of the government in 1995, Sheikh Hamad directed vast state investments into the natural gas sector. This economic strategy generated extraordinary wealth for the small nation and reshaped Doha into a highly modern global financial hub. He stepped down voluntarily in 2013, peacefully handing power over to his son, Sheikh Tamim. This rare transition allowed a younger generation to guide the country forward with fresh ideas.

With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI