Emmanuel Macron remembers Ratan Tata: France lost a dear friend from India

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences over the death of industrialist Ratan Tata, praising his contributions to innovation and manufacturing while also acknowledging his role in strengthening ties between India and France. In a statement, Macron remarked that his country “has lost a dear friend from India”.
“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,” the French president said.
He conveyed his “deepest condolences” to Ratan Tata’s “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.
Ratan Tata, who led the Tata Group for over two decades and is credited with transforming it into a globally renowned conglomerate, died at the age of 86 at Breach Candy Hospital in the city on Wednesday night. The Padma Vibhushan awardee was cremated on Thursday with full state honours, as people across the world paid tribute to one of India’s most respected corporate leaders.
US Ambassador Eric Garcetti said, “India and the world have lost a giant with a giant heart,” as he paid tribute to Tata.
Microsoft CEO, Bill Gates, said, “Ratan Tata was a visionary leader whose dedication to improving lives left an indelible mark on India—and the world”. He added, “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”.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai noted Ratan Tata’s legacy and was instrumental in mentoring and developing the modern business leadership in India. He tweeted that Tata “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”.
Hundreds of people including corporate leaders, politicians including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and celebrities had gathered in Mumbai on Thursday to pay their last respects to Tata.