India’s Top 1% Wealth Share Rose 62% Since 2000

A landmark G20 inequality report, commissioned by the South African Presidency, reveals that the top 1% in India increased their share of national wealth by 62% between 2000 and 2023. This puts India among the countries with the sharpest rise in wealth concentration, reflecting a global trend of widening inequality. The report, which analyses wealth dynamics across G20 economies, argues that extreme inequality is not inevitable, but a policy choice, and calls for coordinated global action to address the growing disparity.

Key Findings from the Report

• India’s top 1% saw their wealth share surge by 62%, significantly outpacing wealth growth for the rest of the population.
• On average, the top 1% now hold 27% of total national wealth, which is nearly 7 times more than the bottom 50%.
• In comparison, China’s richest 1% increased their share by 54%, reaching 30.2% by 2023.
• Over half of G20 countries reported similar rises in top 1% wealth share during this period.

This growing divide is seen as both a threat to economic stability and a barrier to inclusive growth, particularly in emerging economies.

India’s Inequality Landscape

India’s rising wealth gap is characterised by,

• Stagnant income growth for the bottom half of the population.
• Rapid capital accumulation and asset inflation benefiting the elite.
• Urban-rural disparities and inter-generational wealth transfers concentrating resources in the hands of a few.
• Weak tax progressivity and limited wealth redistribution mechanisms.

This inequality trend is deeply relevant to India’s broader development goals, especially in terms of poverty reduction, social mobility, and economic justice.

Global Context and Policy Recommendations

The G20 inequality report warns that the current trajectory could worsen social divisions and destabilise democracies unless corrective action is taken. Among its key proposals,

• Establishment of an International Panel on Inequality, akin to the IPCC (for climate), to advise on evidence-based inequality policies.
• Progressive taxation reforms including wealth, inheritance and windfall taxes.
• Universal social protection floors to ensure basic income, education and healthcare access.
• Stronger regulation of capital flows, especially tax havens and offshore wealth storage.
• Investment in inclusive digital and green transitions that prioritise jobs and equity.

These recommendations are aimed at creating a fairer global economy and ensuring sustainable development that benefits all.

Relevant Points

• Report Origin: Commissioned by South African Presidency of the G20 in 2025.
• India’s Statistic: Wealth share of the top 1% rose by 62% between 2000–2023.
• China’s Statistic: Top 1% share rose by 54%, now at 30.2%.
• Global Average: Median wealth share of top 1% is 27%, seven times the bottom 50%.
• Key Proposal: Creation of an International Panel on Inequality.
• Policy Tools Suggested: Progressive taxation, universal welfare, regulation of global finance.
• Implications: Challenges to democracy, inclusive growth, and equitable recovery.