India’s Standing in the Global Billionaire Club
Forbes’ annual Billionaires List is one of the most anticipated rankings, offering a snapshot of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Over the years, the number of Indian billionaires has steadily grown, reflecting the country’s economic expansion and entrepreneurial success. In 2024, India had 200 billionaires with a combined wealth of approximately $1 trillion, led by Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Savitri Jindal. However, the 2025 rankings bring a significant shift, as Ambani falls out of the top 10 for the first time in years, despite India adding more billionaires to its tally.
The Global Billionaire Landscape in 2025
The latest Forbes Billionaires List shows an increase in ultra-high-net-worth individuals worldwide. The total number of billionaires has reached 3,028, an increase of 247 from last year. Their collective wealth has surged to $16.1 trillion, nearly $2 trillion more than in 2024. The United States continues to dominate the list, boasting 902 billionaires, followed by China (including Hong Kong) with 516, and India with 205. These three nations account for more than half of the total billionaires worldwide.
Mukesh Ambani Slips to 18th Place
Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries and India’s richest man, has dropped to the 18th position globally. His net worth has declined to $92.5 billion from last year’s $116 billion, pushing him out of the top 10 for the first time in recent years. Despite this dip, Ambani remains India’s wealthiest individual, with significant holdings across telecom, retail, and energy sectors.
Gautam Adani and Other Prominent Indian Billionaires
Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, is the second-richest Indian on the list, ranked 28th globally with a net worth of $56.3 billion. The industrialist continues to maintain his position as a key player in India’s infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.
Savitri Jindal, India’s richest woman and head of the OP Jindal Group, has secured the 56th spot on the global list. With a net worth of $35.5 billion, she is now the sixth-richest woman in the world, reflecting the continued rise of female billionaires in India’s wealth rankings.
Elon Musk Reclaims the Top Spot
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has once again taken the top spot as the world’s richest person, with an estimated net worth of $342 billion. He has surpassed LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, who has dropped to fifth place, marking his lowest position since 2017.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has made a historic jump to second place for the first time, with a net worth of $216 billion. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, ranks third with $215 billion, followed by Oracle’s Larry Ellison in fourth place.
The United States Remains the Billionaire Capital
The United States continues to lead the billionaire rankings, with 902 individuals on the list, up from 813 last year. Their combined net worth stands at $6.8 trillion. The country remains home to 13 of the world’s 15 centi-billionaires, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. The dominance of the technology, finance, and entertainment sectors has played a key role in the country’s billionaire boom.
China and India: The Rising Billionaire Hubs
China ranks second, with 450 billionaires worth a combined $1.7 trillion. Zhang Yiming, the founder of ByteDance, leads China’s billionaire list with a net worth of $65.5 billion.
India remains in third place with 205 billionaires, up from 200 last year. While Mukesh Ambani has dropped in ranking, the country continues to produce more billionaires, highlighting its economic growth and the rise of new business magnates.
The Shifting Dynamics of Wealth
The 2025 Forbes Billionaires List highlights the ever-changing landscape of global wealth. While Mukesh Ambani’s drop in ranking signals increased competition among the world’s richest, India’s overall billionaire count continues to rise, reinforcing its economic strength. With a growing presence in global markets and new wealth creators emerging across various industries, India remains a formidable player in the world’s billionaire rankings. As economic trends shift, it will be interesting to see how India’s wealthiest individuals adapt and evolve in the years to come.
(With inputs from agencies)
