Wealthiest NRIs in the United Kingdom: The Titans of Global Indian Success
Introduction
The Indian community has long had a strong presence in the United Kingdom, not only in numbers but also in influence and economic power. Over the years, many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have built vast business empires, becoming some of the UK’s richest residents. From industrial magnates to retail pioneers, their stories reflect resilience, entrepreneurship, and global ambition. Drawing from the latest Sunday Times Rich List (2024–2025) and Hurun Rich List, this article explores the wealthiest NRIs in Britain today.
1. Gopichand Hinduja & Family — £35–37 Billion
At the top of the UK’s wealth charts stand the Hinduja family, whose collective fortune is estimated between £35–37 billion. Year after year, they occupy the first position on the UK’s Rich List. The Hinduja Group, with a workforce of more than 200,000 people, operates across diverse industries—banking, automotive, energy, IT, and healthcare. The group’s global reach and its ability to adapt to changing markets have kept it at the forefront of Indian business overseas. Their dominance also makes them the wealthiest NRIs in the world, not just the UK.
2. Lakshmi Niwas (LN) Mittal & Family — £15 Billion
Close behind is Lakshmi Mittal, chairman of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel producer. Based in London for decades, his wealth is valued at about £15 billion. Mittal has been central to consolidating and transforming the global steel industry. Despite challenges from taxation changes in the UK, his family continues to maintain a strong presence in Britain. His leadership reflects how Indian industrialists have shaped global commodities markets.
3. Anil Agarwal — £7 Billion
The founder of Vedanta Resources, Anil Agarwal, holds an estimated wealth of around £7 billion. His journey from running a scrap metal business in India to controlling one of the largest natural resources conglomerates in the world is extraordinary. Vedanta is deeply involved in mining, oil, and metals, giving Agarwal influence that spans continents. His presence in the UK showcases how Indian entrepreneurs diversify into sectors traditionally dominated by Western firms.
4. Sri Prakash Lohia — £6 Billion
Sri Prakash Lohia, the chairman of Indorama Corporation, represents Indian success in petrochemicals and manufacturing. His fortune, valued at roughly £6 billion, comes from his group’s dominance in polyester, textiles, and chemicals. Based in London but with operations across Asia and Africa, Lohia’s empire highlights the importance of NRIs in driving industrial growth far beyond Britain’s borders.
5. Mohsin and Zuber Issa — £5–6 Billion
The Issa brothers, owners of EG Group and co-owners of Asda, are among Britain’s most prominent retail tycoons. With a net worth in the range of £5–6 billion, their rise is often described as a classic rags-to-riches story. From running a small petrol station in Blackburn, they expanded into a multinational empire. Today, they stand as symbols of Indian-origin entrepreneurship reshaping British retail.
6. Navin and Varsha Engineer — £3–3.5 Billion
In the pharmaceutical space, Navin and Varsha Engineer have carved out their fortune, worth about £3–3.5 billion. Their company, Chemidex, is one of the UK’s most successful pharma ventures. Starting from humble beginnings, they built their empire on affordable healthcare solutions, proving that Indian-origin business leaders succeed not only in heavy industries but also in specialized sectors like life sciences.
7. Simon, Bobby & Robin Arora — £2.6 Billion
The Arora brothers made their wealth through B&M Retail, one of the UK’s fastest-growing discount store chains. With an estimated family fortune of £2.6 billion, they demonstrate the role of NRIs in mainstream British retail. Their strategy of offering affordable products in a value-driven market has turned them into retail giants.
8. Lord Swraj Paul & Family — £2–2.6 Billion
Although Lord Swraj Paul passed away in 2025, his family continues to be among the wealthiest Indian-origin residents in Britain, with assets between £2–2.6 billion. Founder of the Caparo Group, Paul built a global industrial empire and became equally well-known for his philanthropy and work in education. His inclusion reflects the enduring legacy of Indian-origin pioneers in the UK’s economic fabric.
Wealth Patterns Among UK NRIs
The richest NRIs in the UK span across multiple industries:
- Industrial conglomerates (Hindujas, Mittal, Agarwal, Lohia)
- Retail and consumer goods (Issa brothers, Arora brothers)
- Healthcare and pharma (Navin & Varsha Engineer)
- Diversified industries & philanthropy (Swraj Paul)
This diversity underscores how NRIs are not confined to one business area but are shaping various aspects of Britain’s economy.
Broader Context
- According to the Sunday Times Rich List 2025, NRIs dominate the very top, with the Hinduja family ranked No. 1 overall across the UK.
- The number of billionaires in Britain has dropped in recent years due to economic pressures, but the Indian-origin families remain resilient.
- The Hurun Rich List 2024 also places Gopichand Hinduja as the wealthiest NRI globally, reaffirming the UK as a hub for NRI wealth.
Conclusion
The UK’s wealthiest NRIs are more than just business magnates—they are bridge-builders between India and Britain. Their wealth creation spans global industries, but their legacies include job creation, philanthropy, and influence in both economies.
The top eight richest NRIs in the UK today are:
- Gopichand Hinduja & Family — £35–37 billion
- Lakshmi Mittal & Family — £15 billion
- Anil Agarwal — £7 billion
- Sri Prakash Lohia — £6 billion
- Mohsin & Zuber Issa — £5–6 billion
- Navin & Varsha Engineer — £3–3.5 billion
- Arora Brothers — £2.6 billion
- Swraj Paul & Family — £2–2.6 billion
Together, they represent the strength of the Indian diaspora and its ability to thrive globally. Their success stories will continue to inspire future generations of NRIs and entrepreneurs worldwide.
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