National/ International/ Business Desk
18 February
Ludhiana
Sandeep Dhand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol on Monday evening to personally welcome Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, at Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is rare for PM Modi to greet a foreign head of state at the airport, highlighting the strong ties between India and Qatar.
Emir of Qatar on a Two-Day India Visit
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has arrived in India for a two-day official visit. He will hold bilateral talks with PM Modi, focusing on trade, investment, energy, and technology. The two leaders are expected to sign key agreements to strengthen cooperation between the two nations. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Emir will be formally welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex on Tuesday. Later, he will meet PM Modi at Hyderabad House and also call on President Droupadi Murmu.
This is Sheikh Tamim’s second visit to India as Qatar’s Emir. His previous visit was in March 2015. Over the years, India and Qatar have built strong ties in various sectors, including trade, energy, and culture. Notably, Sheikh Tamim is the ninth richest ruler in the world, with an estimated wealth of $335 billion.
Who is Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani?
Born on June 3, 1980, in Doha, Qatar, Sheikh Tamim became the Emir on June 25, 2013, after his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, abdicated the throne. A graduate of the UK’s Sandhurst military academy, he has also served in Qatar’s armed forces. At 44, he is one of the youngest rulers in the world. He has been married three times and has 13 children.
In 2003, after completing his education, Sheikh Tamim was declared Qatar’s Crown Prince. By 2009, he was appointed Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Known for his passion for sports, he played a key role in hosting the 2006 Asian Games in Qatar. Under his leadership, Qatar also successfully hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
A Unique Transfer of Power
In 2013, Sheikh Hamad stepped down, making way for his son to take over. Unlike other Gulf rulers, who typically hold power for life, this voluntary transfer of leadership was a rare event. However, Sheikh Tamim faced diplomatic challenges early in his rule. In 2014, some neighboring countries withdrew their envoys from Qatar. By 2017, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Bahrain imposed an economic blockade on Qatar, citing political differences.
In response, Sheikh Tamim strengthened ties with Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, and Oman. During the tensions, he avoided attending annual Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meetings in 2018 and 2019. However, in January 2021, he returned to the GCC summit, signing an agreement to restore diplomatic ties with neighboring countries.