Is Mukesh Ambani’s feud with Anil finally over? The Ericsson bailout saved the younger brother jail time – but was it enough to heal wounds?

Nov 25 , 2020

The relationship between brothers Mukesh and Anil Ambani has been strained ever since their father, Dhirubhai, passed away without leaving behind a will. Photo: Getty Images

In 2002, Mukesh and Anil Ambani had just begun their war over the family company, Reliance Industries, after their father, Dhirubhai, died without leaving a will. The brothers spent years publicly bashing each other, even opening defamation cases after their slander escalated past the point of no return.

Almost two decades later, is the family feud finally coming to an end? Are Mukesh and Anil navigating a new path to friendship and possible future business relationships? Here’s why many believe that peace might be at hand.

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The bailout

Anil Ambani exiting from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters office in New Delhi, India in 2011. Photo: EPA

Last year, Anil faced jail time after his company, Reliance Communications, failed to make payments due to Swedish firm Ericsson. In a surprise move, Mukesh swept in and provided the necessary cash for his brother, not only saving him from time behind bars, but also from a tarnished business reputation.

The public thank you

In a public statement issued by Reliance Communications, Anil thanked Mukesh, saying that he was “grateful we have moved beyond the past” and commented that his brother’s help showed “the importance of staying true to our strong family values”. Many believed that the statement proved a reconciliation between the brothers, which their children and mum have been working hard to achieve.

A family effort

Not only did Mukesh and Anil’s mum, Kokilaben, broker a peace deal between the brothers when their feud first broke out, deciding to split the family business between the two, she has also been instrumental in creating peace between them today. The Ambani matriarch is very close to her grandchildren – Mukesh’s children, Akash, Isha and Anant, and Anil’s children, Jai Anmol and Jai Anshul – and has taught them the importance of maintaining good relations within the family. This is why the cousins, despite their family feud, remain close. They have also pushed for peace between Mukesh and Anil alongside their grandmother.

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No more slander

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, right, and his brother, vice-chairman Anil Ambani, in 2002. Photo: Agence France-Presse

Mukesh and Anil’s past has been dominated by public accusations; Anil has previously accused Mukesh of reneging on mergers and even blocking lucrative business deals. But no negative public statements have been made for some time – another indicator that resolution might have been reached.

The importance of a united front

Mukesh and Nita Ambani bailed out Anil. Photo: AP

When the news broke that Mukesh had given Anil the funds to save him from prison, the hashtag #MukeshNitaSaveAnil immediately trended in India.

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Commuters use their mobile phones as they wait at a bus stop with an advertisement of Reliance Industries' Jio telecoms unit, in Mumbai, India July 10, 2017. Photo: Reuters

The famous family has the world’s attention – that goes without saying. And it’s not only because of their public spats, or their meteoric rise to mega-wealth. The public’s positive response to the possible end of their family feud could indicate that a united front would strengthen the Ambani brand.

With the next Ambani generation all taking active roles in the family business, Mukesh and Anil must not only consider themselves, but the future of their children and company – and family unity could definitely help take Reliance Industries into the future. If the two brothers were to bury the hatchet, the time is definitely now.

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Mukesh Ambani and family

The brothers have been business rivals ever since Reliance Industries founder Dhirubhai Ambani died without a will – but thanks to a little help from their mother and children, the conflict might finally be drawing to a close