No Indian Citizens Featured in TIME’s 2025 List of 100 Most Influential People

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Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-04-17 08:43:45 |

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TIME magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People has generated significant attention not just for who made the cut, but also for a notable absence—no Indian citizens are featured on this year’s list. This marks a surprising turn, especially given India’s increasing prominence on the global stage in recent years across various sectors, from politics and entertainment to science and technology.

The list, as always, celebrates individuals who have made a profound impact on the world through their leadership, innovation, and societal contributions. Some of the major names featured this year include US President Donald Trump, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Bangladeshi Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Their inclusion reflects the magazine’s focus on global influence, irrespective of controversy or popularity.

In contrast to last year, when India was represented by Bollywood star Alia Bhatt and Olympic wrestler Sakshee Malikkh, this year’s edition omits any Indian nationals. The absence is particularly striking considering how Indian-origin leaders like Satya Nadella and Ajay Banga have shaped global institutions like Microsoft and the World Bank in recent years. While Indian citizens were left out, Indian-origin names continued to make a mark. Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, was among those honoured. Though born in India, she moved to the US at a young age and has since risen to become the first woman to lead a major American biotech firm.

This year’s list also features a diverse set of global political figures such as Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Argentine President Javier Milei. From the world of arts and innovation, icons like Snoop Dogg, Ed Sheeran, Demi Moore, Serena Williams, and Demis Hassabis have also been spotlighted, each appearing on special international covers of the magazine.

The absence of Indian representation raises questions about the criteria for influence and the shifting global dynamics that determine such prestigious recognition. Nonetheless, the continued recognition of Indian-origin leaders abroad suggests that India's cultural and intellectual footprint remains strong, even if its citizens were overlooked this year.

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