Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, has reclaimed his title as the richest man in India and Asia, surpassing Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani. According to Bloomberg's billionaire index, as of 6 PM local time, Adani's total wealth stands at $111 billion, edging out Ambani, whose wealth is $109 billion.
This marks a significant turnaround for Adani, who faced a major setback following the release of the Hindenburg Report in January 2023. The report led to a dramatic fall in Adani's ranking on the global wealth list, dropping from fourth to thirtieth. However, Adani has since managed to recover, and as of today, he ranks as the 11th richest person in the world.
The resurgence in Adani's wealth can be attributed to a recent report by US investment firm Jefferies, which detailed the Adani Group's expansive business plans. The positive market reaction to this report added approximately ₹1.23 lakh crore to the company's assets, propelling Adani ahead of Ambani.
The Adani Group, initially focused on the port industry, has diversified into sectors such as steel and renewable energy. This month, the company announced significant investments in these areas, further bolstering its financial standing.
Meanwhile, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries remains a formidable player in the market. The company has committed to a massive investment of around ₹6 lakh crore in Gujarat, the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This investment includes the development of a 100 GW non-conventional power plant and hydrogen power generation system, as well as the construction of four factories dedicated to solar power and battery storage.
As both industrial giants continue to expand and invest in new sectors, the competition for the title of India's and Asia's richest person is expected to remain intense.
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