New Delhi, 3 April 2024

The 2024 Forbes list of billionaires shows a massive jump in Indian representation. A whopping 200 Indians cracked the list, a significant rise from 169 last year. Collectively, these Indian titans of wealth hold a staggering $954 billion, a 41% increase from the previous year’s total.

Mukesh Ambani Takes the Crown

Leading the pack is Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries. He soared to the top of the list, becoming the richest person there. His net worth skyrocketed to a staggering $116 billion, making him the first Asian to join the elite $100 billion club. Despite this incredible feat, Ambani remains the ninth richest person globally.

Gautam Adani: The Infrastructure Powerhouse

Following closely behind is Gautam Adani, whose dominance in the infrastructure and commodities sectors propelled him to the second-richest Indian spot. Adani, the founder and chairman of the Adani Group, solidified his position with a fortune of $84 billion, ranking 17th overall on the list.

Savitri Jindal: The Wealthiest Woman in India

Savitri Jindal, the chairperson of Jindal Steel and Power Limited, also saw a significant rise in her wealth. Climbing from sixth to fourth place, her total fortune sits at $33.5 billion. With this, Jindal retains her title as the wealthiest woman in India.

Fresh Faces and Shifting Fortunes

The 2024 Forbes list welcomes a wave of 25 new Indian billionaires, including prominent figures like Renuka Jagtiani, Ramesh Kunhikannan, and Naresh Trehan. However, the list also saw some departures, with Byju Raveendran and Rohiqa Mistry falling out this year.