India's Wilful Loan Defaulters Owe Rs 3.83 Lakh Crore, ABG Shipyard Tops List

As of March 2025, India has around 18,000 wilful defaulters owing approximately Rs 3.83 lakh crore to banks, with the top 10 defaulters responsible for over Rs 40,000 crore. ABG Shipyard leads with Rs 6,695 crore owed, followed by Gitanjali Gems and others. Despite regulatory efforts since the 2015 Asset Quality Review, wilful defaults remain high, with banks allowed to pursue compromise settlements alongside ongoing criminal proceedings to recover dues.