Sunil Mittal, Founder Of Bharti Airtel, Is The Only Billionaire In India To See A Net Worth Increase In The 2025 Forbes India List. While Others Faced Declines Due To Market Volatility, Mittal’s Wealth Rose By $3.5 Billion, Bringing His Total Net Worth To $34.2 Billion.
A telecom tycoon’s upward climb
In a year marked by economic headwinds and declining fortunes for India’s elite, one billionaire stood out. Sunil Mittal, the founder and chairperson of Bharti Airtel, emerged as the only individual among India’s top 100 richest to grow wealthier in 2025, according to the latest Forbes India Rich List. While the combined net worth of India’s wealthiest dropped by 9%—largely due to a weaker rupee and a 3% dip in the Sensex—Mittal’s fortune surged.
His net worth now stands at $34.2 billion, up by $3.5 billion from the previous year. This leap propelled him to the fourth spot on the list, behind Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Savitri Jindal. It’s a position he last held in 2008, marking a remarkable comeback.
Why Mittal’s wealth grew
Mittal’s rise is attributed to Bharti Airtel’s strong performance in the telecom sector, strategic investments, and expansion into digital services. Despite global economic uncertainty, Airtel’s subscriber base and revenue streams have remained resilient, helping boost investor confidence and stock value.
Key highlights:
- Sunil Mittal is the only billionaire in India to gain wealth in 2025
- His net worth increased by $3.5 billion, reaching $34.2 billion
- Climbed to fourth place in Forbes India’s Rich List, last held in 2008
- Bharti Airtel’s growth and digital expansion fueled the surge
- Overall billionaire wealth in India dropped by 9% amid market challenges
A rare rise in a tough year
While other business magnates like Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani saw declines in their fortunes, Mittal’s upward trajectory signals the strength of India’s telecom and digital infrastructure sectors. His success story stands as a beacon of strategic resilience and market foresight.
As India’s economic landscape continues to evolve, Mittal’s performance may inspire other entrepreneurs to invest in scalable, tech-driven ventures that can withstand volatility and deliver long-term growth.
Sources: MSN, LiveMint, Financial Express