Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, July 12, expressed grief over the demise of former Qatar Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and called him a “visionary leader” and a “true friend.”
The Amiri Diwan has announced that Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died on Sunday morning at the age of 74 years, Qatar News Agency reported.
“May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him the best reward for what he achieved for his homeland and nation,” the statement added.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi offered condolences to Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as well as the entire royal family and people of Qatar over the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
“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 in February 2024. I convey my 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,” PM Modi wrote.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013. Later on, he handed over the reins of leadership to his son Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. During his reign, Qatar witnessed major economic, social and cultural development, Amiri Diwan’s statement said.
Born in Doha in January 1952, he had earlier joined the British Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. After completing his graduation in 1971, he became a part of the Qatar Armed Forces, where he was promoted till he reached the rank of Major General.
The official statement said he was credited as playing a pivotal role in developing the armed forces in terms of ordnance.
In 1977, he was appointed the Heir Apparent and Minister of Defence, while in 1989, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani was appointed Chairman of the Supreme Council for Planning, which was given the task to formulate Qatar’s social and economic policies.