Reliance Jio Platforms, the digital and telecommunications arm of Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries, made a strong market debut on Wednesday in Mumbai, with its shares soaring nearly 27% above the initial public offering (IPO) price. The stock closed at 1,417.5 rupees, compared to the offer price of 1,119 rupees, valuing Jio at approximately $137 billion. This surge positioned Jio as India’s second-largest company by market capitalization, behind only its parent Reliance Industries, which collectively is now worth about $320 billion.

The listing marks Reliance’s first public listing in two decades and represents a significant milestone in Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s strategic shift to transform the company from a traditional oil-and-chemicals business into a diversified technology and consumer-focused conglomerate. The IPO raised around $3.2 billion, with net proceeds planned to be used primarily for repaying borrowings by Jio’s telecom unit.

The listing ceremony was held at the National Stock Exchange in Mumbai, attended by the Ambani family. Akash Ambani, the eldest son and Jio’s managing director, spoke at the event, paying homage to his parents in a traditional gesture before addressing attendees. Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest individual according to Forbes, was visibly moved during the event. The family’s public appearance underscored their carefully managed succession plan, aimed at avoiding past family disputes seen after the death of Mukesh’s father, Reliance founder Dhirubhai Ambani.

Jio’s telecom network serves more than 530 million customers, placing it second globally in number of subscribers within a single country, behind China Mobile. The company counts major technology firms Meta Platforms and Alphabet (Google) among its investors.

Market analysts acknowledged the strong debut while cautioning about future risks, including fierce competition in India’s telecom sector, substantial capital expenditures, and potential regulatory changes related to spectrum and licensing fees. “The IPO price offered a valuation entry point; the listing price reflects a much greater degree of optimism,” said Aishvarya Dadheech, founder of Fident Asset Management. Another analyst, Kranthi Bathini of WealthMills Securities, noted that despite geopolitical and market uncertainties, Jio’s revenue and earnings growth are expected to support the stock’s performance going forward.

Reliance is celebrating the listing with an employee event at its Mumbai headquarters, featuring music and other performances. The public enthusiasm for the IPO was reflected in front-page advertisements across Indian newspapers declaring “Thank you, India.” This enthusiasm underscores India’s status as the world’s busiest IPO market in 2024, with 246 new listings recorded this year.

The listing also highlights the continuing appeal of Reliance as a core investment for Indian retail investors. Since 2006, Reliance Industries’ stock has delivered a nearly 900% return, outperforming the broader market index. The family’s legacy in Indian equity markets dates back to the company’s original public offering in 1977, widely credited with fostering a culture of retail investment in India.

The Jio IPO added modest fees for its syndicate of 19 bankers, totaling about $20.7 million, which is relatively low compared with recent large listings in India. The successful debut for Jio Platforms represents both a landmark moment for the Ambani family and a sign of confidence in India’s expanding digital economy amid ongoing market volatility.