Union minister Kiren Rijiju departs for Qatar to convey India's condolences over former Emir's demise

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju departed for Qatar to convey India's condolences on the demise of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Sheikh Hamad, known as the 'Father Emir', died at age 74; cause of death was not specified.

India observed a one-day national mourning on July 13, flying flags at half-mast at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, Samvidhan Sadan, South and North Blocks, and Qatar Embassy in New Delhi.

The Ministry of External Affairs directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast and official entertainment be suspended on the mourning day.

Sheikh Hamad was credited with transforming Qatar into a global economic, diplomatic, and media powerhouse.