Tata is still India's No.1 brand. But there's a new entrant in the top 10

Tata Group has retained its position as India's most valuable brand for the 18th consecutive year, but this year's rankings come with a notable change. Adani Group has entered the country's top 10 most valuable brands for the first time, reflecting its rapid expansion across infrastructure, energy, logistics and renewable energy.

According to the Brand Finance India 100 2026 report, the combined brand value of India's 100 most valuable brands rose 7% year-on-year to $252.8 billion, highlighting the resilience of Indian companies despite global economic uncertainty.

The report suggests that companies investing in areas such as electronics, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, manufacturing and renewable energy are seeing stronger brand growth.

TATA EXTENDS ITS LEAD

Tata Group continued to top the rankings with a brand value of $33.6 billion, up 6% from last year.

The report said Tata strengthened its leadership through investments in electronics, data infrastructure, digital platforms, electric mobility, semiconductors, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

Infosys retained the second position for the fifth consecutive year, with its brand value rising to $16.4 billion. The report attributed the growth to continued demand for AI, cloud computing and digital transformation services.

Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) secured the third spot after its brand value increased 12% to $15.3 billion, supported by its extensive rural distribution network and agent base.

HDFC Group ranked fourth despite a 2% decline in brand value to $13.9 billion, while Reliance Group completed the top five with an 11% increase in brand value to $10.8 billion, driven by growth in retail, telecom, digital services and energy businesses.

SBI Group retained the sixth position with a brand value of $9.8 billion, followed by HCLTech at seventh place with a brand value of $9 billion.

ADANI ENTERS THE TOP 10

The biggest change in this year's rankings came from Adani Group.

The conglomerate entered India's top 10 most valuable brands for the first time, climbing to the eighth position after its brand value jumped 31% to $8.5 billion.

The report said the growth reflects the group's continued expansion across infrastructure, energy, logistics, airports and renewable energy.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) ranked ninth with a brand value of $8.3 billion, while Airtel completed the top 10 after its brand value rose 6% to $8.1 billion.

SUZLON EMERGES AS THE FASTEST-GROWING BRAND

While Tata remained the country's most valuable brand, Suzlon Energy emerged as India's fastest-growing brand.

Its brand value surged 114% to $418 million, helped by an operational turnaround, a stronger order book and growing momentum in India's renewable energy sector, according to the report.

Several other companies also recorded sharp gains in brand value.

Adani Power led the list with a 152% increase to $1.8 billion. Yes Bank's brand value rose 79% to $458 million, while JSW Group recorded a 55% increase to $2.3 billion. MRF and engineering company Zetwerk also posted healthy growth, with brand values rising 24% and 19%, respectively.

STRONGEST BRANDS

The report also ranked companies based on brand strength, a measure of how consumers perceive and trust a brand.

Taj Hotels retained its position as India's strongest brand for the fifth consecutive year, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.5 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating.

Zomato ranked second after its brand value rose 37% to $1.4 billion, while Amul secured the third spot with a 22% increase in brand value to $5 billion.

Among technology companies, TCS remained India's most valuable IT services brand with a brand value of $21.2 billion. It also retained its position as the world's second most valuable IT services brand for the fifth consecutive year, the report said.