Sunil Mittal Defies Market Trend as Only Indian Billionaire to Grow Wealthier in 2025
While India’s wealthiest saw their combined fortunes shrink by 9% to $1 trillion, telecom magnate Sunil Mittal bucked the trend with a remarkable $3.5 billion wealth increase, climbing to fourth position in Forbes India’s 2025 rich list.
Key Highlights
- Sunil Mittal’s net worth reaches $34.2 billion, up $3.5 billion
- Jumps three positions to become India’s fourth richest person
- Only billionaire in top 10 to register wealth growth in 2025
- Other billionaires saw declines due to weaker rupee and stock market
Mittal’s Current Net Worth and Ranking
According to the Forbes India’s Richest 2025 list, Bharti Airtel founder Sunil Mittal now commands a fortune of $34.2 billion. This substantial growth propelled him three places upward to secure the fourth position, a rank he last held in 2008.
What Drove Mittal’s Wealth Surge?
The wealth increase stems from a strategic 2024 investment where Bharti Enterprises acquired 24.5% stake in UK telecom giant BT Group. Mittal subsequently joined BT Group’s board in September 2025, marking a significant international expansion for the Indian telecom leader.
Sunil Mittal: From Humble Beginnings to Telecom Pioneer
Sunil Mittal founded Bharti Enterprises, the parent company of telecom major Bharti Airtel. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Mittal began his entrepreneurial journey at 18 with a bicycle crankshaft business funded by ₹20,000 borrowed from his father.
He revolutionized India’s mobile telecommunications sector by making services affordable for the masses. Mittal graduated from Panjab University with degrees in economics and political science before building his business empire.
Other Billionaires Face Wealth Erosion
In contrast to Mittal’s gains, other Indian billionaires experienced significant wealth declines. Mukesh Ambani remained India’s richest person with $105 billion but saw a 12% drop amounting to $14.5 billion. Gautam Adani maintained the second position with $92 billion.
HCL Tech’s Shiv Nadar slipped to fifth position amid challenges facing India’s IT sector, including new H1-B visa regulations.
