Ratan Tata, the former Tata Group chairman who put the Indian conglomerate on the global stage with a string of high-profile acquisitions, has died at the age of 86. Mr Tata - who ran Tata Group for more than 20 years as its chairman - was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai this week. "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," the company said late on Wednesday.
Ratan Tata "was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on social media platform X. "He provided stable leadership to one of India's oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond boardrooms," Mr Modi wrote.
"Extremely pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this sad hour." Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran confirmed Mr Tata's death and described him as his "friend, mentor, and guide" in a statement.
Meanwhile industrialist Harsh Goenka called Mr Tata a "titan". Mr Tata received the Padma Bhushan, one of India's most distinguished civilian awards, in 2000. Tata Group is a sprawling collection of nearly 100 companies, including the country's largest carmaker, the largest private steel company and a leading outsourcing firm.
The companies employ more th.