India has surpassed Israel to claim the top spot on Forbes’ 2025 list of foreign-born billionaires in the United States. With 12 Indian-origin individuals making the prestigious list, this achievement is a proud moment for every Indian around the world. Among the most inspiring stories is that of cybersecurity trailblazer Jay Chaudhry, who ranks 8th on the list. His journey from a small Himalayan village to the heart of Silicon Valley is a shining example of how Indian talent continues to leave a powerful mark on the global stage.
Jay Chaudhry: From Rural India to Tech Titan
Born in Panoh, a remote village in Himachal Pradesh without electricity or running water, Chaudhry’s life is the definition of perseverance. After earning a B.Tech from IT-BHU, he moved to the U.S. in 1980 to pursue master’s degrees in electronics, computer engineering, and industrial engineering from the University of Cincinnati. He later attended Harvard Business School, further sharpening his business acumen.
Chaudhry founded Zscaler in 2008, a cloud cybersecurity firm that has grown into a market leader. Since going public in 2018, the company has seen impressive success, with Chaudhry and his family owning nearly 40% of the Nasdaq-listed company. His current net worth, as per Forbes, stands at $17.9 billion (1,790 crores) in 2025.
Proud to Be Indian: A Story That Inspires Millions
Jay Chaudhry’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t begin with Zscaler. In 1996, he and his wife Jyoti quit their jobs and invested their savings into launching SecureIT, his first cybersecurity startup. That venture was a success, followed by others like CoreHarbor, CipherTrust, and AirDefense all of which were eventually acquired. His path reflects the resilience and innovative spirit of Indian entrepreneurs worldwide. Truly, stories like his make every Indian feel proud.
Why This Achievement Matters
India’s leading position on the Forbes list marks a significant milestone for the Indian diaspora. With 12 Indian-origin billionaires residing in the U.S., the country has now overtaken Israel and Taiwan, each of which has 11 representatives. This reflects the global influence of Indian professionals and business leaders.
There are now 125 foreign-born billionaires living in the United States, up from 92 in 2022, representing 43 countries. Collectively, these individuals hold $1.3 trillion (130,000 crores) in wealth, which makes up 18% of the U.S.’s total billionaire fortune.
The top of the 2025 list features names like Elon Musk (South Africa), Sergey Brin (Russia), Jensen Huang (Taiwan), and Thomas Peterffy (Hungary). Standing among them is Jay Chaudhry, an Indian-origin billionaire whose life story is a powerful symbol of what determination and Indian roots can achieve on the world stage. And once again, proud to be Indian.