In a still challenging global macro-economic environment, India now has 308 billionaires in 2026, up by 24 from last year, according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2026. India ranks third behind China (1,100) and the United States (1,000). 

India’s richest industrialist continues to be Mukesh Ambani and family, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries with a wealth of ₹9.8 lakh crore, ranked 17th globally. His nearest rival continues to be Gautam Adani, ranked 23 with a wealth of ₹7.5 lakh crore. Roshni Nada Malhotra and family, with a combined wealth of ₹3.2 lakh crore, ranks third and is India’s richest woman. 

The Hurun list shows that 56% of returning Indian billionaires grew their wealth while 60% of India’s business class built their fortunes from scratch. 

Cyrus Poonawalla and family of Serum Institute was India’s fourth richest with a 44% rise in wealth to ₹3 lakh crore. Poonawalla is now planting the vaccine flag in Europe. “India’s billionaires are no longer a reflection of India’s domestic economy. They are shaping the worlds,” says Anas Rahman Junaid, founder and chief researcher, Hurun India. 

Kumar Mangalam Birla, with a well-diversified conglomerate, ranging from aluminium-to-cement and new age verticals such as jewellery and luxury hospitality, has a combined wealth of ₹2.5 lakh crore, up by 22% for a year earlier. 

Globally, Elon Musk has once again taken the top spot as the world's richest person, with his net worth increasing by 89% to $792 billion, followed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos with a wealth of $300 billion. It was a poor year for SaaS companies, including Salesforce. 

India did see sharp volatility and correction in valuations in 2023, due to the global uncertainties.