NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the death of former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as a visionary leader who transformed the Gulf nation and a true friend of India.“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,” PM Modi said in a post on X.“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,” he added.Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 before voluntarily handing over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a rare abdication by a hereditary Gulf ruler.Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, the country’s highest government body, announced his death on Sunday, paying tribute to his contributions to the nation.During his nearly two-decade rule, Sheikh Hamad oversaw Qatar’s transformation from a relatively small Gulf state into a global economic and diplomatic force. Backed by its vast natural gas reserves, the country emerged as the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas while significantly expanding its international influence.His tenure also saw the launch and growth of the Al Jazeera media network, which helped elevate Qatar’s global profile, and the country’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first edition of the tournament to be held in the Middle East.Sheikh Hamad came to power in 1995 after deposing his father, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup while the latter was abroad. Nearly 18 years later, he became one of the few hereditary rulers in the Gulf to voluntarily abdicate in favour of the next generation.