Condolences pour in as India's business world bids farewell to Ratan Tata

The former Tata Chairman had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

In Short

• Ratan Tata, former Tata Group chairman, passes away at 86
• Mukesh Ambani and Anand Mahindra expressed deep sorrow
• Gautam Adani hails him as visionary who embodied India's spirit

Ratan Naval Tata, the revered chairman emeritus of the Tata Group and a towering figure in Indian industry, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 86. He had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

The news of his death brought an outpouring of condolences from leaders across India's business community, who expressed their grief and highlighted Tata's lasting impact on the country’s corporate landscape.

Mukesh Ambani's tribute

Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Tata, calling it a “very sad day for India and India Inc.” Ambani noted that Tata’s death is not just a loss for the Tata Group but for all of India.

Reflecting on their friendship, Ambani shared how every interaction with Tata left him inspired. "The passing of Ratan Tata has filled me with immense grief as I lost a dear friend. Each of my numerous interactions with him left me inspired and energised and enhanced my respect for the nobility of his character and the fine human values he embodied," Ambani said in his statement.

Ambani praised Tata’s contributions to the Indian economy and his role in making the Tata Group a global powerhouse. “Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat,” he said, recognising how Tata expanded the group’s reach globally after taking over as chairman in 1991. Ambani extended his condolences to the Tata family and concluded with a personal note: "Ratan, you will always remain in my heart. Om Shanti."

Anand Mahindra's heartfelt note on X

Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, expressed disbelief at Tata’s passing, taking to social media to share his thoughts. He said that Tata's life and work played a significant role in shaping India's current economic position.

“I am unable to accept the absence of Ratan Tata. India's economy stands on the cusp of a historic leap forward, and Ratan’s life and work have had much to do with our being in this position. His mentorship and guidance at this point in time would have been invaluable," Mahindra said.

He added that, with Tata’s passing, the best way to honour him would be to follow his example of using business success to benefit the global community. “Because he was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success was most useful when it was put to the service of the global community,” Mahindra said.

Gautam Adani shares tribute

Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, called Tata a visionary who embodied the spirit of India.

In his tribute, Adani said, “India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India's path. Ratan Tata wasn't just a business leader - he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti."

Harsh Goenka and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw remember Tata

Harsh Goenka, chairman of RPG Enterprises, also took to social media to express his grief. He described Tata as a "beacon of integrity" and praised him for his ethical leadership.

“The clock has stopped ticking. The Titan passes away. #RatanTata was a beacon of integrity, ethical leadership, and philanthropy, who has imprinted an indelible mark on the world of business and beyond,” Goenka wrote.

Biocon's Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, sharing her thoughts, called Tata the “tallest business icon” she had ever known.

"This is the saddest news - he was the tallest business icon. I was blessed to have known him. What a great man & a great mind. Om Shanthi," she wrote, also posting a cherished photo of herself with Tata.

N Chandrasekaran’s statement

N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, expressed his heartfelt condolences and described Tata as a mentor, guide, and friend.

"For the Tata Group, Mr Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide, and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass," Chandrasekaran said in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Ratan Tata, calling him "a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being".

"He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better," PM Modi said.