India has emerged as a global economic powerhouse, producing some of the wealthiest and most influential billionaires in the world. These top business moguls not only contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP but also lead diverse industries, from technology and infrastructure to consumer goods and telecommunications. Here’s a look at the top 10 richest men in India as of 2024, based on their net worth and contributions to their respective fields.
Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, continues to top the list as India’s richest man. His ventures span across oil, retail, and telecom with Reliance Jio revolutionizing the Indian telecommunications sector. His strategic expansion into digital services and green energy is likely to keep him in the lead for years to come.
2. Gautam Adani
Net Worth: $85 billion Industry: Infrastructure, Energy Company: Adani Group
Gautam Adani’s Adani Group is a colossal conglomerate with interests in ports, logistics, energy, and airports. Adani has seen tremendous growth by investing in green energy projects, especially solar power, making his company a leading name in sustainable development.
3. Shiv Nadar
Net Worth: $30 billion Industry: Technology Company: HCL Technologies
As the founder of HCL Technologies, Shiv Nadar is a tech magnate who has played a key role in making India a global IT hub. His philanthropic contributions, especially in education, are extensive, reflecting his dedication to social progress.
4. Cyrus Poonawalla
Net Worth: $26 billion Industry: Pharmaceuticals Company: Serum Institute of India
Cyrus Poonawalla, chairman of the Serum Institute of India, heads one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers. The institute gained international attention for its role in COVID-19 vaccine distribution, boosting both Poonawalla’s wealth and India’s influence in global healthcare.
5. Radhakishan Damani
Net Worth: $24 billion Industry: Retail Company: Avenue Supermarts (DMart)
Radhakishan Damani, often described as a retail genius, founded DMart, a highly successful chain of hypermarkets. His investment in the Indian retail sector has paid off with DMart consistently outperforming competitors, thanks to its customer-focused approach and competitive pricing.
6. Lakshmi Mittal
Net Worth: $20 billion Industry: Steel Company: ArcelorMittal
Lakshmi Mittal, the steel magnate, is the chairman of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel manufacturing company. Despite economic fluctuations, Mittal’s strategic investments have kept ArcelorMittal profitable, particularly with its move into green steel production.
7. Kumar Mangalam Birla
Net Worth: $18 billion Industry: Conglomerate Company: Aditya Birla Group
Kumar Mangalam Birla heads the Aditya Birla Group, which has interests ranging from cement and metals to telecommunications and finance. Known for his innovative leadership, Birla has successfully diversified the group’s portfolio and driven its global expansion.
8. Dilip Shanghvi
Net Worth: $16 billion Industry: Pharmaceuticals Company: Sun Pharmaceuticals
Founder of Sun Pharmaceuticals, Dilip Shanghvi has built a healthcare empire that has gained significant market share in both India and the U.S. His focus on generic drugs and affordable healthcare has made Sun Pharmaceuticals a leading pharmaceutical company globally.
9. Uday Kotak
Net Worth: $14 billion Industry: Banking & Finance Company: Kotak Mahindra Bank
Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, is a prominent figure in Indian banking. Kotak Mahindra is known for its robust financial practices and customer-centric services, making it one of the most trusted banks in India. Kotak’s personal fortune has grown steadily as the bank expands.
10. Azim Premji
Net Worth: $12 billion Industry: Technology Company: Wipro
Though retired, Azim Premji continues to be one of India’s wealthiest individuals. Under his leadership, Wipro became one of the country’s most reputable tech giants. Premji is also widely respected for his philanthropic efforts, contributing billions toward education and healthcare initiatives.