In a stunning turn of events, Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, has dropped out of the elite list of the world’s top 10 wealthiest individuals according to the latest Hurun Global Rich List 2025. His net worth has plummeted by a staggering ₹1 lakh crore compared to the previous year, primarily due to escalating debt levels within his conglomerate. Despite this setback, Ambani retains his title as Asia's richest person.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has reclaimed his position as the world’s wealthiest individual for the fourth time in five years. His net worth has soared by 82%, an increase of $189 billion, bringing his total wealth to an impressive $420 billion. This remarkable growth is attributed to the so-called "Trump effect" on Tesla's stock price following U.S. President Donald Trump’s re-election.
Ambani's departure from the global top 10 is closely linked to the underperformance of Reliance Industries' energy and retail sectors. The conglomerate has faced challenges from slowing sales growth and investor concerns regarding its financial health as it pivots towards digital platforms and renewable energy. In fact, Reliance’s stock has underperformed compared to India’s equity markets, slipping 1.5% while the Nifty 50 Index gained 14%. This disparity has widened the gap between analysts’ price targets and the stock’s current valuation, according to a Bloomberg report.
While Ambani remains India's richest individual, Gautam Adani has emerged as the nation’s biggest wealth gainer in absolute terms on the Hurun Global Rich List 2025. Adani's net worth has increased by nearly ₹1 lakh crore, reflecting the rapid expansion of his business empire across various sectors including ports, power generation, airports, mining, renewables, media, and cement.
In a historic milestone, Roshni Nadar, chairperson of HCL Technologies, has become the first Indian woman to break into the top 10 of the Hurun India Rich List 2025. She now ranks as the fifth richest woman globally, with a net worth of ₹3.5 lakh crore, following a significant stake transfer from her father, Shiv Nadar.
The latest rankings highlight a significant trend where Silicon Valley tycoons dominate the Hurun Global Rich List 2025, with American businessmen securing nine of the top 10 spots among the world’s wealthiest individuals. The only exception is French fashion magnate Bernard Arnault, owner of LVMH, who holds steady at seventh position with a net worth of $157 billion.
Following Musk in the rankings are Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, whose net worth stands at $266 billion, and Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, with $242 billion. Oracle’s Larry Ellison ranks fourth with $203 billion, while Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett rounds out the top five at $167 billion. Alphabet co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin take the sixth and ninth spots, valued at $164 billion and $148 billion respectively. Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates secure the eighth and tenth places, valued at $156 billion and $143 billion.
Despite his financial setbacks, Mukesh Ambani continues to expand Reliance Industries. The company is reportedly in talks with OpenAI and Meta for potential AI collaborations, aiming to distribute ChatGPT in India. Furthermore, Reliance has acquired Dahej's Nauyaan Shipyard, likely for renewable energy projects, and has partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to enhance satellite internet connectivity in India.
On the personal front, the Ambani family continues to make headlines, with the grand wedding of Anant Ambani capturing global attention and attended by celebrities like Kim Kardashian. Despite mounting debt, Ambani remains a significant figure in the business world, driving major expansions in various sectors.
The Hurun Global Rich List 2025 illustrates not just the fortunes of individuals but also the shifting economic landscape influenced by market dynamics, investment strategies, and global events. As the richest individuals adapt to these changes, the implications for their businesses and the broader economy will be closely watched.
