Forbes says Mukesh Ambani remains India's richest person for ninth consecutive year

Mukesh Ambani remains India's richest person for the ninth consecutive year with a net worth of USD 18.9 billion, according to the latest Forbes India Rich List.

While the combined net worth of India's 100 richest remains largely unchanged at USD 345 billion, as compared to USD 346 billion a year ago, there are 12 new faces this year.

While the Indian economy is expected to grow by seven percent this year, the stock market is off five percent from a year ago and the rupee has fallen nine percent.

These declining barometers have impacted the fortunes of several tycoons on this year's list.

Mukesh Ambani retains the top spot on the list, despite a drop of USD 4.7 billion in his net worth. Lower oil prices took a toll on his oil and petrochemicals giant, Reliance Industries, which saw its stock tumble on declining revenues.

His younger brother Anil Ambani, who ranks No. 29 with a net worth of USD 2.9 billion, also took a hit. Falling shares of his group companies more than halved his fortune from a year ago. The combined wealth of the brothers is down by more than USD 8 billion.

The top 10 richest in India are:

1) Mukesh Ambani; USD 18.9 billion

2) Dilip Shanghvi; USD 18 billion

3) Azim Premji; USD 15.9 billion

4) Hinduja brothers; USD 14.8 billion

5) Pallonji Mistry; USD 14.7 billion

6) Shiv Nadar; USD 12.9 billion

7) Godrej family; USD 11.4 billion

8) Lakshmi Mittal; USD 11.2 billion

9) Cyrus Poonawalla; USD 7.9 billion

10) Kumar Birla; USD 7.8 billion

This list was compiled using shareholding and financial information obtained from the families and individuals, stock exchanges, analysts and India's regulatory agencies.