In a gesture of solidarity and sorrow, India’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, traveled to Doha to extend heartfelt condolences following the demise of Qatar’s Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. This visit underscores the enduring and robust ties between India and Qatar.
While in Doha, Rijiju had a meeting with Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during which he conveyed the condolences of the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The late Father Amir was characterized by Rijiju as a visionary figure pivotal to Qatar’s development and the enhancement of strategic relations with India. He emphasized that the Indian community in Qatar holds the Father Amir in high esteem and mourns his passing deeply.
Prime Minister Modi had earlier expressed his condolences, highlighting the Father Amir’s role as a staunch friend of India and acknowledging his efforts in fortifying the bilateral connections between the two nations.
In honor of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, India observed a day of national mourning on July 13, 2026. During this period of respect, the national flag was flown at half-mast on government buildings, and official entertainment events were put on hold.
This visit by Rijiju exemplifies the deep diplomatic ties between India and Qatar, reflecting the significance both countries place on maintaining and nurturing their longstanding friendship and cooperative partnership.