Pawan's father and Hero Honda Chairman Brijmohan Lall Munjal, 85, insists that the rural touch is nothing new.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Marie Lall is a South Asia specialist at the Institute of Education, University of London, and an associate fellow at Chatham House.

BBC: Viewpoint: Change in Burma - one step at a time

"This really gives them strategic reach in the Indian Ocean, " says Vivek Lall, vice president in charge of Boeing's defense, space and security operations in India.

WSJ: Asia's New Arms Race

The company also expects the Indian government to shortly invite bids for six heavy-lift transport helicopters, for which it will pitch the Chinook helicopter, Mr. Lall said.

WSJ: Boeing Expects India to Buy Military Products Worth $31 Billion

Separately, Vivek Lall, who heads the Indian operations at Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems unit, said the company will bid to sell six medium-range maritime patrol aircraft to India.

WSJ: Boeing Expects India to Buy Military Products Worth $31 Billion

Returning to the list after a one-year absence are Yusuf Hamied, head of generics producer Cipla, and Brijmohan Lall Munjal, patriarch of Hero Group, maker of motorcycles and bicycles.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The biggest percentage gainer is motorcycle king Brijmohan Lall Munjal, who broke off a 26-year pairing with Honda Motors, buying out its stake at nearly half the market price.

FORBES: India's 100 Richest