Delhi, Jan 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 8 expressed his condolences to Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal on the untimely death of his son, Agnivesh Agarwal, who passed away at the age of 49 after suffering a cardiac arrest in New York. The prime minister responded on X to Anil Agarwal’s public announcement of the loss, calling the news deeply shocking and praying for strength and courage for the bereaved family.
Agnivesh Agarwal died at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, where he had been undergoing treatment following a skiing accident. According to his father, doctors had earlier indicated that his condition was stable and that he was recovering well, before a sudden cardiac arrest led to his death. Describing the tragedy as the darkest moment of his life, Anil Agarwal wrote that no parent should have to face the pain of losing a child.
In an emotional tribute, the Vedanta chairman recalled Agnivesh as far more than a successful businessman. Born in Patna on June 3, 1976, he was educated at Mayo College in Ajmer and went on to establish Fujairah Gold before becoming chairman of Hindustan Zinc, one of Vedanta Group’s key companies. His father described him as a sportsman, musician and leader, but above all a simple, warm and compassionate human being who was also his closest friend and source of pride.
Anil Agarwal also used the moment to reaffirm his commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility. He said he had promised his son that more than 75 per cent of the group’s earnings would be returned to society, a pledge he renewed while resolving to live a simpler life. He further highlighted Agnivesh’s vision for India, which included eliminating hunger, ensuring education for every child, empowering women and creating meaningful employment for young people.
The loss comes at a time when the Vedanta Group has been expanding its footprint in India’s northeast. In 2025, the group announced an Rs 80,000 crore investment plan across six northeastern states at the Rising Northeast Investors Summit, building on a previous Rs 50,000 crore commitment made at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit. These investments span sectors such as oil and gas, renewable energy, critical minerals, power transmission and digital infrastructure.
Thanking friends, colleagues and well-wishers for their messages of support, Anil Agarwal acknowledged the difficult road ahead. He said he would strive to carry forward his son’s values and vision, even as the family comes to terms with an irreplaceable loss.
