5 Indian billionaires among biggest wealth losers of 2025
What's the story
The world's richest people have experienced a major shift in their fortunes since the start of 2025, with most of them losing significant net worth. Despite remaining the world's richest, Elon Musk has suffered a massive loss of $35.2 billion. According to the Bloomberg Billionaire Index data (as of February 21), his current net worth is $397.3 billion. The decline in his net worth is mainly attributed to the volatility of Tesla's stock price.
Indian scenario
Indian billionaires witness significant wealth reduction
Five Indian billionaires have also lost net worth since the beginning of 2025. Gautam Adani has suffered a massive loss of roughly $12 billion, bringing his net worth down to $66.8 billion. The decline is part of a wider trend affecting Adani's various companies, which have come under severe scrutiny and pressure amid market volatility and regulatory pressures.
Energy impact
US energy tycoon Michael Sabel loses $8.3 billion
Michael Sabel, a key player in the US energy sector, has lost $8.3 billion in 2025, bringing his net worth down to $16.4 billion. His wealth is heavily dependent on his stakes in energy companies that have struggled with market volatility and increasing costs. The pattern is similar to the larger issues witnessed in the global energy sector.
Tech turbulence
Robert Pender's wealth dips due to market headwinds
Robert Pender, who is known for his investments in private equity and technology sectors, has also seen a massive wealth reduction of $8.3 billion. His current net worth is $16.4 billion. Pender's wealth decline is attributed to major market headwinds for both the sectors he is invested in, highlighting the challenges of holding high-value assets amid economic volatility.
Economic uncertainty
Indonesian tycoon Prajogo Pangestu's net worth drops by $7.2 billion
Indonesian businessman Prajogo Pangestu has lost $7.2 billion in wealth, taking his net worth to $22.5 billion. The decline is due to the ups and downs of his businesses in Indonesia, where economic uncertainties have taken a toll on the market. However, despite this loss, Pangestu continues to be a major player in the region's business scene.
Tech downturn
Shiv Nadar's wealth dips amid tech sector pressure
Indian IT magnate Shiv Nadar has lost $4.5 billion, leaving his net worth at $38.6 billion. Nadar's wealth primarily stems from HCL Technologies, which has faced challenges in the highly competitive global tech industry. The loss reflects some pressure on the tech sector but despite these challenges, HCL continues to be a key player in India's IT landscape.
Business impact
Ravi Jaipuria's net worth declines by $4.2 billion
Ravi Jaipuria, who has a wide range of business interests in the food and beverage sector, has lost $4.2 billion in wealth. His net worth now stands at $13.1 billion. The decline is attributed to rising competition and changing consumer preferences that have affected profits across his businesses. Under his company, RJ Corp, Jaipuria manages listed firm Varun Beverages which is the largest bottling partner for PepsiCo's soft drink brands outside the US.
Other mentions
Savitri Jindal and Dilip Shanghvi have also suffered major declines
Savitri Jindal's wealth has declined by $3.9 billion, bringing her net worth to $28.4 billion. Jindal's wealth comes from her interests in the steel industry, which has been impacted by fluctuating global demand and rising input costs. Dilip Shanghvi has experienced a similar decline, with his net worth falling by $3.8 billion, bringing it down to $25.7 billion. Shanghvi's wealth is tied to his pharmaceutical company, Sun Pharma, which has been facing regulatory and competitive pressures.