Tributes poured in from political leaders and peers in the industry, praising Ratan Tata’s visionary leadership, integrity, and commitment to social responsibility.
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries said in a statement, “It is a very sad day for India and India Inc. Ratan Tata’s passing away is a big loss, not just to the Tata Group, but to every Indian. At a personal level, 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.”
“Ratan Tata was a visionary industrialist and a philanthropist, who always strove for society’s greater good. With the demise of Mr Ratan Tata, India has lost one of her most illustrious and kind-hearted sons. Mr Tata took India to the world and brought the best of the world to Bharat. He institutionalised the House of Tata and made it an international enterprise growing the Tata group over 70 times since the time he took over as Chairman in 1991,” Ambani added
Droupadi Murmu, President of India said with the sad demise of Ratan Tata, “India has lost an icon who blended corporate growth with nation building, and excellence with ethics. A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, he took forward the great Tata legacy and gave it a more impressive global presence. He inspired seasoned professionals and young students alike. His contribution to philanthropy and charity is invaluable. I convey my condolences to his family, the entire team of the Tata Group and his admirers across the globe.” she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “Ratan Tata Ji was 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.”
Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group 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.”
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi extended condolences to the family of Tata. “Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy,” Gandhi said.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Wednesday said that Ratan Tata deeply cared about making India better, as he paid tribute to the national icon. Recalling his last meeting with Tata where they talked about the progress of Waymo, Pichai said, “My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He leaves an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India.”
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shared her condolences and said Ratan Tata was a leader par excellence, visionary industrialist and philanthropist whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our society. “His deep resolve to innovation, ethical business practices, and social responsibility transformed industries and uplifted communities,” she added.
Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla shared his condolences and said Ratan Tata’s legacy will inspire future generations of Indians to pursue success with integrity. “Over the decades, generations of my family and I have had close ties with the institution of Tata. Ratan Tata epitomised the finest ideals of the storied Tata Group. Through his career and actions, he unfailingly demonstrated that business, at its best, is both a vehicle for economic strength and a catalyst for societal progress. His decisions have impacted lives and industries far beyond financial metrics. His legacy will inspire future generations of Indians to pursue success with integrity. India and India Inc have lost a true visionary,” Birla said.
Bajaj Finserv’s MD and Chairman Sanjiv Bajaj said, “A leading light of India, #RatanTata was known as much for his humility as his bold business strategies. He represented a handful of industrialists who helped India break out into the international arena very early on.”
Rajnath Singh also shared his condolences on X, calling Tata “a Titan of the Indian industry.” He added, “He was known for his monumental contributions to our economy, trade, and industry.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy extended his heartfelt condolences to the Tata family and to the countless Indians who mourn this immense loss. He said that Ratan Tata’s contributions will be remembered forever, and his spirit will continue to guide us. “In his passing, India has lost not only an industrial icon but a beloved son who embodied the true spirit of service and integrity. There will never be another like him,” he added.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said, “Few men have left such an enduring imprint on this world with their vision and integrity as Ratan Tata. Today, we have lost not just a business titan, but a true humanitarian whose legacy goes beyond industrial landscape to live in every heart he touched. As I mourn his passing today, I also reflect on his remarkable contributions to industry, philanthropy, and nation-building that will forever inspire generations. A life well-lived. An iconic legacy to cherish. Rest in peace, my friend. You’ll be missed. Deepest condolences to his loved ones and the Tata Group.”