Tributes poured in for Ratan Tata from industry stalwarts and politicians

Tributes poured in from industry leaders, politicians and the public for Ratan Tata, the former chairman of India's Tata Sons, who died on Wednesday at the age of 86.

In a post on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi X, Tata was described as “a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being… his contributions extended beyond the boardroom.”

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai recalled his meeting with Tata where they discussed Google's self-driving car project.

“He leaves behind an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and has been instrumental in mentoring and developing modern business leadership in India,” Pichai wrote in X.

Tata, who is credited with taking his business global through several high-profile acquisitions including Jaguar-Land Rover in 2008, is said to be in intensive care at a hospital in Mumbai.

“Ratan Tata's passing is a great loss, not just for the Tata group, but for every Indian,” Mukesh Ambani, India's richest man and chairman of oil-to-retail company Reliance Group, said in a post on X.

“Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to India.”

Tata, who earned an architecture degree from Cornell University in 1962, joined the family enterprise the same year. He was known for his philanthropic work and was the chairman of Tata Trusts, one of India's largest charitable organizations.

N. Chandrasekaran, current chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the conglomerate Tata Group, expressed his condolences in a statement on the company's website: “Mr. Tata's dedication to philanthropy and societal development touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives left a deep mark that will benefit generations to come.”

Tata was instrumental in around 60 acquisitions that helped the group expand globally.

“With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group has expanded its global footprint while always staying true to its ethical compass under its stewardship,” Chandrasekaran added.

Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani called Tata “a giant, a visionary who redefined the path of modern India.”

“Ratan Tata was not just a business leader – he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good,” Adani wrote in X.

Anand Mahindra, The chairman of India's Mahindra Group, which competes with the Tata Group in the autos sector, lamented Ratan Tata's death at a time when the Indian economy seems set to shift into high gear.

“India's economy stands on the brink of a historic leap. And Ratan's life and work had a lot to do with us being in this position,” Mahindra wrote in X.

“He was a businessman for whom financial wealth and success were most useful when it was put to the service of the global community,” Mahindra said.

The chief minister of Maharashtra, home to the Tata Group's headquarters in Mumbai, said Tata would be given a state funeral — an honor reserved for most government officials — calling him a “priceless gem,” according to a CNBC translation of his post. X in Hindi.

Tata was the Chairman of Tata Sons from 1991 to December 2012. Under his leadership the group's revenue exceeded $100 billion, according to the company.