Tributes have been paid to a "truly uncommon leader" as Ratan Tata dies aged 86.
The former chairman of Tata Group, which owns Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Steel and Tetley Tea among a host of other companies, has been remembered for his business acumen and philanthropy. He died in hospital in Mumbai yesterday.
Born in Bombay on December 28, 1937, Mr Tata joined the Tata Group in 1961 and became its chairman in 1991, a post he held for 21 years and that he resumed in 2016 following the departure of his successor Cyrus Mistry.
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He returned to retirement in 2017 when incumbent chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran took over the role. Mr Tata never married and is survived by a brother, two half-sisters and a half-brother.
Tata Group is a vast conglomeration of nearly 100 companies including Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Consultancy Services. Together, they employ more than 350,000 people worldwide with a presence in over 100 countries.
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Among the most well-known of its brands is Jaguar Land Rover, now known as JLR, which has a huge manufacturing presence across Merseyside and the West Midlands, including its global headquarters in Coventry.
Tata acquired the luxury car manufacturer in 2008 from Ford for $2.3 billion, a year after it had taken over British steelmaker Corus for $12 billion.
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Tributes have flooded in from across the business and political world.
Mr Chandrasekaran said in a statement: "It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Ratan Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation.
"For the Tata Group, Mr Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example.
"With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass.
"His dedication to philanthropy and the development of society has touched the lives of millions. From education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark that will benefit generations to come.
"His legacy will continue to inspire us as we strive to uphold the principles he so passionately championed."
JLR's chief executive Adrian Mardell said Mr Tata's personal achievements and legacy "are unequalled in society" and the mark he left on the carmarker was greater than that of any other individual.
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"It was thanks to his singular vision that Tata acquired JLR in 2008 and we owe everything we have become since then to his unwavering support and dedication," he added.
"Mr Tata led us on an extraordinary journey. He inspired incredible new chapters in our history.
"Under his generous and trusting guidance, we have felt deeply proud to be part of the Tata story."
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Mr Tata as a visionary leader and a compassionate and extraordinary human being.
"He provided stable leadership to one of India's oldest and most prestigious business houses," he posted on X.
"At the same time, his contribution went far beyond boardrooms. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better."
Andy Street, former John Lewis managing director and West Midlands Mayor until May's election, said: "Rarely does a businessman change the world like Ratan Tata did.
"His vision led Tata to acquire JLR in 2008, a decision that was, and still is, crucial to our region's economic success. JLR and the West Midlands would not be what it is today without Ratan. We will forever be indebted."