India’s Surge in Wealth: Knight Frank Global Wealth Report 2025 Highlights Rapid Rise
India has cemented its place as a global wealth powerhouse, ranking fourth in the world for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) with 85,698 citizens possessing a net worth exceeding $10 million, according to the Knight Frank Global Wealth Report 2025. This marks India’s most significant climb yet in the global rich list, accounting for 3.7% of the world’s total HNWI population.
The country now trails only the United States, China, and Japan, underscoring its ascent as a center for capital accumulation and entrepreneurial dynamism.
Knight Frank Report 2025: A Snapshot of Global Wealth
The Knight Frank Global Wealth Report is one of the most trusted barometers of global affluence and private wealth. It evaluates the spread of HNWIs—individuals with a net worth above $10 million—and tracks billionaire growth, investment preferences, and future projections across regions.
The 2025 edition reveals that global HNWI numbers have rebounded strongly, driven by economic recovery, booming stock markets, and growth in tech and private equity sectors.
Here’s how the global HNWI landscape looks:
· United States leads with over 1 million HNWIs, home to nearly 40% of the global total.
· China follows with around 462,000, benefiting from continued industrial strength and innovation.
· Japan holds third place with 241,000 HNWIs.
· India, in fourth, is rising quickly and outpaces major European economies like Germany, France, and the UK.
India’s Wealth Surge: What’s Driving It?
India’s growing HNWI population is the product of multiple converging factors:
· Strong economic growth driven by services, manufacturing, and digital sectors.
· A thriving startup ecosystem creating new wealth at a rapid pace.
· Expanding digital and financial infrastructure, making wealth creation more accessible.
· Global integration, with Indian entrepreneurs and investors branching into international markets.
One notable trend is the rise in India’s billionaire count, which jumped 12% year-on-year, now standing at 191, up from 165 in 2023. Indian billionaires collectively control $0.95 trillion, surpassing peers in France, Germany, and the UK.
Where the Wealth Goes: Real Estate, Equities, and Overseas Investments
Real estate remains a cornerstone of Indian wealth portfolios. Nearly 30% of global billionaire wealth is tied to property, and Indian HNWIs are particularly drawn to high-end real estate both domestically and abroad.
Top international investment hotspots include:
· Dubai – for its tax benefits and proximity
· London – seen as a gateway to global finance
· Singapore – admired for its stability and business-friendly laws
Additionally, Indian HNWIs are increasingly willing to explore risk-based assets, including equities, private equity, and startups, showing a sharp contrast to traditionally risk-averse markets like Japan or Europe.
Looking Ahead: India’s Wealth Future
Knight Frank projects that India’s HNWI population will grow by 43% by 2028, reaching 122,119 individuals. This growth rate will be among the fastest in the world, fueled by a young population, ongoing urbanization, and a maturing investment culture.
India’s Place in the Global Wealth Hierarchy is Just Beginning
India’s rapid climb up the global wealth ladder is not just a story of affluence—it’s one of economic transformation, entrepreneurial ambition, and strategic financial evolution. As the country continues to nurture its high-growth sectors and increase global engagement, its wealthy elite will not only grow in number but in global influence.
(With agency inputs)
