Champion of India-Israel Friendship: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu condoles business magnate Ratan Tata’s death

Calling Ratan Tata the "Champion of India-Israel Friendship", Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he and many Israelis mourn the death of the business magnate — a proud son of India and a wonderful person, who bridged ties between the two countries.

Netanyahu wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Oct 13 condoling the death of the industrialist and global icon. Tata 86, died on Oct 9 at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital, where he was admitted for a routine health check-up.

Hailing Tata's contribution to bridging India-Israel ties, Netanyahu wrote, "I and many in Israel mourn the loss of Ratan Naval Tata, a proud son of India and a champion of the friendship between two countries." He also urged Prime Minister Modi to convey his condolences to Ratan's family.

Besides Netanyahu, several world leaders paid rich tributes to Tata, who was one of the most respected industrial titans globally.
He is credited for his philanthropic work and for expanding the Tata Group to over 100 countries.

"India and the world have lost a giant with a giant heart," said Eric Garcetti, US Ambassador to India, in his condolence message. He added, "When I was nominated to serve as ambassador, the first congratulations from India came from Ratan Tata," he posted on X.

Garcetti also mentioned, "Mr. Tata gave so much in service to my hometown, serving on the board of the University of Southern California. He saw a future of greater prosperity and equality for his country and did so much for our world. May his memory be a blessing."

Remembering Ratan Tata's "visionary contribution", French President Emmanuel Macron said, "France has lost a dear friend from India. Ratan Tata's visionary helmsmanship contributed to boosting industries in India and France, in the fields of innovation and manufacturing. Beyond this, his legacy will be marked by his humanist vision, immense philanthropic achievements, and his humility."

"I convey my deepest condolences to his near and dear ones as well as to the people of India. We will remember your lifelong commitment to the betterment of society with admiration and respect," Macron said in a post on Facebook.

Several prominent business leaders also paid tributes to Tata, with Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft founder Bill Gates being among the first to do so.

Pichai recalled his last meeting with Tata, saying "My last meeting with Ratan Tata at Google, we talked about the progress of Waymo and his vision was inspiring to hear. He left an extraordinary business and philanthropic legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India."

In a post on X, he added, “Tata deeply cared about making India better. Deep condolences to his loved ones and Rest in Peace Shri Ratan Tata Ji."

Bill Gates too expressed his condolences on the death of Tata, a "visionary leader whose dedication to improving lives left an indelible mark on India - and the world".

In a LinkedIn post, Gates recalled meeting Tata on multiple occasions and expressed his admiration for the business Icon's commitment to improving lives.

"I was always moved by his strong sense of purpose and service to humanity," Gates wrote in his post. He also recalled collaborating with Tata on several initiatives and said his legacy will inspire generations.

"Ratan Tata was a visionary leader whose dedication to improving lives left an indelible mark on India and the world. I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions, and I was always moved by his strong sense of purpose and service to humanity," Gates wrote.

"Together, we partnered on numerous initiatives to help people lead healthier, more prosperous lives. His loss will be felt around the world for years to come, but I know the legacy he left and the example he set will continue to inspire generations," he added.

Tata's death has drawn an outpouring of grief and tributes globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier remembered him as a visionary business leader and a compassionate soul.