
‘India and Qatar stand in solidarity’: PM Modi after Qatar Emir condoles deaths of 12 Indians in Ras Laffan blast
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday thanked Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for personally conveying condolences following the death of 12 Indian nationals in a tragic explosion at Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of Qatar’s key energy hubs.
The Emir spoke with Modi after the deadly blast at the Barzan gas supply facility in Ras Laffan, which claimed 13 lives in total and left 66 people injured. According to Indian authorities, 12 of those killed were Indian citizens.
In a message posted on X, Modi said he appreciated the Emir’s phone call and condolences during the difficult time. The Prime Minister noted that both leaders shared the grief of the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident. He further emphasized that India and Qatar remain committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of their citizens and would continue to stand together in solidarity.
The explosion occurred at the Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, a major center for Qatar’s liquefied natural gas operations. Qatari authorities have confirmed the casualties and are continuing investigations into the cause of the accident.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and assured all possible assistance to the affected families. The Indian Embassy in Doha is coordinating closely with Qatari authorities regarding medical support, documentation, and repatriation arrangements.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the large Indian workforce in Qatar, where hundreds of thousands of Indians contribute across key sectors, including energy and infrastructure. The incident has prompted both governments to reaffirm their commitment to worker safety and bilateral cooperation.