Jamshedpur, March 3 – Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran voiced serious concerns over the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, warning that a drawn-out war could severely impact global trade and supply chains. Speaking at a commemorative event in Jamshedpur marking the 187th birth anniversary of Tata Group founder Jamsetji Tata, Chandrasekaran paid tribute to the visionary industrialist while addressing pressing global issues.
The Tata Group relies heavily on imports of raw materials like limestone from the Middle East, making its vast international operations vulnerable to regional instability. ‘If the conflict in Iran prolongs, it will disrupt supply chains, logistics, delivery timelines, and sustainability efforts across our businesses,’ he stated during a media interaction at the Tata Steel premises.
However, Chandrasekaran reassured that there is currently no direct impact on Tata Group’s operations or the Indian economy. The group’s priority remains the safety of its employees worldwide, spread across manufacturing, services, hospitality, and other sectors. ‘We are taking all necessary precautions to ensure their well-being and that of their families,’ he emphasized.
Shifting focus to employment, the chairman highlighted robust growth plans. Over the past five to six years, the workforce has expanded from around 700,000 to 1.1 million employees. Tata aims to reach 1.5 million in the next five to six years, with a special push to increase women’s participation to 28-30%.
On the IT sector, Chandrasekaran dismissed fears over job losses due to new technologies. ‘Artificial Intelligence will create fresh opportunities in steel, automobiles, finance, and more, benefiting companies like TCS,’ he said optimistically. Senior executives, including Tata Steel CEO T.V. Narendran, attended the event.