"I fondly recall our many interactions."
It is reported that industrialist Lord Swraj Paul passed away in London on the evening of August 21, 2025. He was 94.
The founder of the UK-based Caparo Group had recently fallen ill and was hospitalised. He passed away surrounded by his family.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow and praised Lord Paul’s contributions to industry and philanthropy.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Swraj Paul Ji.
“His contributions to industry, philanthropy and public service in the UK, and his unwavering support for closer ties with India will always be remembered.
“I fondly recall our many interactions. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Born in Jalandhar, Lord Paul moved to the UK in the 1960s to seek treatment for his daughter Ambika, who had cancer.
After her death aged four, he established the Ambika Paul Foundation, which donated millions towards children’s welfare, education, and health worldwide.
Lord Paul recalled in July 2025: “The London Zoo is where she was always the happiest.”
He continued his philanthropic work in memory of his late son Angad Paul, who died in 2015, and his wife Aruna, who passed away in 2022.
In February 2023, he inaugurated the Lady Aruna Swraj Paul Hall at the Indian Gymkhana Club.
At the time, he said: “This hall is a tribute to my wonderful wife whom I miss very much; we never had an argument during our 65 years of marriage.”
Lord Paul regularly featured in the Sunday Times Rich List.
This year, he was ranked 81st with an estimated wealth of £2 billion, mainly from the Caparo Group.
Headquartered in London, Caparo operates across more than 40 sites in the UK, North America, India, and the Middle East.
His son, Akash Paul, is Chairman of Caparo India and Director of the Caparo Group.
In 2024, as Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, Lord Paul awarded Akash an honorary doctorate.
Akash said at the ceremony: “Perhaps, I am the only graduate to get a degree from his own father, independently approved by the University Board, of course, I may add.”
Reflecting on his son’s contribution, Lord Swraj Paul said:
“My son has worked alongside me at Caparo since 1982. Akash was appointed CEO of Caparo Group in 1992.
“During this time, he furthered Caparo’s growth strategy in UK, Europe, USA and India, as well as expanding capacity and increasing profitability of the companies in the United Kingdom and was president, Caparo Automotive Espana, Spain and Executive Board, Bull Moose Tube, USA.”
Lord Paul served as Chancellor of Wolverhampton University for over 26 years. Despite frailty in recent months, he continued attending the House of Lords.
Lord Rami Ranger said: “We pray for the departed soul. May the noble Lord rest in peace.”
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