New Delhi: Gautam Adani has reclaimed the position of India’s richest person, overtaking Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani after three years. According to the Forbes India 2026 rich list, Adani and his family have a combined wealth of $112.7 billion, while Ambani’s wealth stands at $86.3 billion.
Adani’s wealth increased by $20.7 billion during the year, making him the biggest dollar gainer among people on the list. In comparison, Ambani’s wealth declined by $18.7 billion, with pressure on Reliance’s margins, including its retail business, affecting the company’s shares.
Adani’s return to the top comes despite a difficult year for Indian markets. The benchmark stock index declined around 9.5%, while the Indian rupee weakened by about 8.5% against the US dollar. Even in this environment, the combined wealth of India’s top 100 richest people remained around $1 trillion.
A major part of Adani’s growth strategy is now linked to artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. In February 2026, the Adani Group announced plans to invest $100 billion by 2035 in renewable-energy-powered, AI-ready data centres and related infrastructure. The group expects this investment to help create a wider $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem in India, including server manufacturing, electrical infrastructure and cloud platforms.
The group’s traditional businesses also remain important. Adani has continued expanding across ports, airports, power, renewable energy and cement.
The Hurun India Rich List 2026 also placed Adani and his family at the top, with wealth of around ₹9.23 lakh crore, up 13%. The list also highlighted the growing influence of AI, with 19 individuals linked to the sector holding combined wealth of ₹3.07 lakh crore.
