HH the Amir Receives Phone Call from Prime Minister of India

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a telephone call from Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi, during which the Indian premier expressed his sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy on the death of the Late Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, may God have mercy on him.

Modi Recalls "A True Friend of India"

Reflecting on the conversation in a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said he had conveyed heartfelt condolences on the passing of the Father Amir and honoured his memory. "Recalled his deep affection for India, his warmth towards the Indian community in Qatar and his steadfast commitment to India-Qatar relations. His enduring legacy will continue to guide our two nations," Modi wrote.

The prime minister highlighted the late Father Amir's pivotal role in laying the strong foundations of the India-Qatar strategic partnership, expressing confidence that this enduring legacy would continue to serve as a guiding force as the two nations work to further strengthen their ties. In an earlier tribute, Modi had remembered Sheikh Hamad as a visionary leader who led Qatar to great heights of prosperity and modernisation, and as a true friend of India.

India's Multi-Level Tribute

The phone call capped a series of Indian gestures of solidarity throughout the mourning period. India declared a day of state mourning on July 13 as a mark of respect for the late leader, with the national flag flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly hoisted. On July 14, India's Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju traveled to Doha to extend heartfelt condolences to Sheikh Tamim in person on behalf of the Government and people of India, also conveying Prime Minister Modi's warm personal regards.

Deep and Growing Bilateral Ties

The exchange reflects the close and expanding relationship between India and Qatar, home to a large Indian expatriate community. The two leaders have been in frequent contact in recent months, including a call in June after Sheikh Tamim offered condolences over the loss of Indian lives in an accident at Ras Laffan Industrial City, and earlier calls in which Modi expressed solidarity with Qatar following attacks on its sovereignty. Sheikh Tamim paid a state visit to India in February 2025, during which Prime Minister Modi broke protocol to personally receive him at the airport — a mark of the warmth between the two nations.

Part of a Global Wave of Condolences

Modi's call formed part of a continuing stream of messages from heads of state and government. In recent days, Sheikh Tamim has received condolence calls from King Felipe VI of Spain, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, King Philippe of Belgium, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, US President Donald Trump, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while an extraordinary procession of world leaders traveled to Lusail Palace over three days to pay their respects in person.

Sheikh Hamad's Legacy

Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 until voluntarily handing power to Sheikh Tamim in 2013, one of the rare peaceful transfers of leadership in the Gulf. His 18 years in power transformed Qatar into one of the world's leading liquefied natural gas exporters and an influential diplomatic power, and saw the founding of Al Jazeera in 1996 and the successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar declared four days of national mourning beginning Sunday, with flags at half-mast and government work suspended until employees return on Sunday, July 19.