Ratan Tata passed away on October 9 at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where he was admitted for a routine health check due to age-related concerns.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences in a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mourning the loss of the revered industrialist and global icon. Netanyahu highlighted Tata’s significant role in strengthening ties between India and Israel, writing, “I, along with many in Israel, mourn the loss of Ratan Naval Tata, a proud son of India and a champion of the friendship between our two countries.” He also conveyed his sympathies to Tata’s family.
World leaders, including US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and French President Emmanuel Macron, joined in paying tribute to Ratan Tata. Garcetti referred to him as “a giant with a giant heart” and recalled Tata’s support when he was first nominated as ambassador. Macron praised Tata’s visionary leadership and his contributions to India-France relations, especially in the fields of innovation and manufacturing. Macron also noted Tata’s philanthropic legacy and his humility, calling him “a dear friend of France.”
Several prominent figures from the business world also expressed their grief. Google CEO Sundar Pichai remembered his last meeting with Tata, where they discussed Waymo’s progress, while Bill Gates paid tribute to Tata’s lifelong commitment to improving lives. Gates emphasized Tata’s dedication to humanity, recalling their collaborations on various initiatives aimed at bettering society. Both Pichai and Gates acknowledged Tata’s profound influence on business leadership and his lasting impact on India and the world.
Ratan Tata’s death has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the globe, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him a visionary business leader and a compassionate soul.