Ratan Tata, India’s business titan who steered Tata group onto the global stage

Ratan Tata, India's best known businessman and chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, died of age-related health issues in Mumbai on Wednesday

Story by: Kaumudi Kashikar Gurjar

Ratan Tata, India’s best known businessman and chairman emeritus of Tata Sons who led the conglomerate’s global expansion, died of age-related ailments at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday night.

Tata, 86, was admitted to the hospital in south Mumbai on Monday, and was undergoing treatment.

“It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation,” Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran said in a statement announcing Tata’s demise.

Maharashtra state declared a day of mourning on Thursday. Tata will be cremated with state honors, chief minister Eknath Shinde said.

Union home minister Amit Shah will pay his last respects on behalf of the Modi government, a statement said.

Tata’s mortal remains will be kept at the National Centre for the Performing Arts between 10 am to 4pm on Thursday for the public to pay homage.

Tributes for the doyen of Indian industry poured from across the country

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death and reached out to Tata’s half-brother, Noel Tata.

“Extremely pained by his (Ratan Tata’s) passing away,” Modi said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

“My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained by his passing away,” Modi added.

My mind is filled with countless interactions with Shri Ratan Tata Ji. I would meet him frequently in Gujarat when I was the CM. We would exchange views on diverse issues. I found his perspectives very enriching. These interactions continued when I came to Delhi. Extremely pained… pic.twitter.com/feBhAFUIom

Tata provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses, Modi added.

Shri 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… pic.twitter.com/p5NPcpBbBD

Noel Tata, who is currently chairman of Trent Ltd, Tata International, Voltas Ltd, and Tata Investment Corporation, as well as vice chairman of Tata Steel Ltd and Titan Ltd, is the front-runner to govern Tata Trusts, which controls the group’s holding firms.

Tributes pour in

Meanwhile, tributes poured in from all quarters.

President Droupadi Murmu said: “In the sad demise of Shri 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.

“Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community,” Congress party leader and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

Reliance Industries Ltd chairman Mukesh Ambani said: “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,” Ambani said.

“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,” he said.

“On behalf of Reliance, Nita and the Ambani family, I send my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved members of the Tata family and the entire Tata Group. Ratan, you will always remain in my heart. Om Shanti,” he added.

Adani group chairman Gautam 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.”

Alphabet chief executive Sundar 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. He deeply cared about making India better. Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji.”

On an expansion spree

The visionary business leader is credited with having transformed the Tata group into a multinational conglomerate, comprising more than 100 companies operating in 30 countries across six continents.

Tata guided some of the acquisitions that marked the conglomerate’s evolution from a largely India-focused business to a globally recognized brand.

Some of the key acquisitions, listed in the order of their sealing:

Tetley (2000) One of Tata’s earliest and most significant global acquisitions was the purchase of Tetley, a British tea company, for $450 million. This acquisition made Tata Tea (now Tata Global Beverages) the second largest tea company in the world. It marked a bold move for Tata into the global consumer goods sector.

Daewoo Commercial Vehicles (2004) Tata Motors Ltd acquired Daewoo’s commercial vehicle business in South Korea for $102 million. The move was part of Tata’s strategy to enter the international truck and heavy vehicle market, giving them a foothold in the South Korean market.

NatSteel (2005) Tata Steel Ltd acquired Singapore-based NatSteel for about $486 million, marking the group’s expansion into Southeast Asia. The acquisition gave Tata a stronger presence in the international steel market and extended their reach in the Asia-Pacific region.

Tyco Global Network (2005) Tata Communications (then VSNL) acquired Tyco Global Network, an undersea cable network company, for $130 million. This gave Tata access to an extensive global fiber network, boosting its telecommunications reach worldwide.

Millennium Steel (2005) Tata Steel Ltd continued its global expansion by acquiring Thailand’s Millennium Steel for $130 million. This acquisition helped boost Tata’s presence in Southeast Asia and strengthened its steel production capacity.

Eight O’Clock Coffee (2006) Tata Global Beverages acquired the US-based Eight O’Clock Coffee company for $220 million. This acquisition strengthened Tata’s portfolio in the global beverages market and established a strong presence in the US.

Corus (2007) The acquisition of Corus Group, a European steelmaker, was a landmark deal. Tata Steel bought Corus for $13 billion, making Tata Steel the fifth largest steel producer globally at the time. It was one of the largest acquisitions by an Indian company and significantly expanded Tata’s global footprint in the steel industry.

Ritz-Carlton Boston (2007) Tata-owned Indian Hotels Co. Ltd acquired the Ritz-Carlton Boston, rebranding it as Taj Boston, further establishing its presence in the luxury hotel market globally.

Jaguar Land Rover (2008) In one of its most high-profile acquisitions, Tata Motors purchased British luxury car brands Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) from Ford Motor Co. for $2.3 billion. This deal was a turning point for the automaker, propelling it into the global luxury automobile market. Despite initial skepticism, Tata successfully revitalized both brands and, today, JLR single-handedly posts about two-thirds of Tata Motors’ consolidated revenue.

General Chemical Industrial Products (2008) Tata Chemicals acquired US-based General Chemical Industrial Products for $1 billion. This acquisition expanded Tata Chemicals’ soda ash production capacity, making it one of the largest producers of soda ash globally.

Sign up to our daily newsletter for more updates!