TIME 100 2025: No Indian on ‘Most Influential’ list; here are top names

TIME Magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People has no Indian national in any of its six categories.

Some names were expected — US President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who heads the current interim government in Bangladesh that has not been in particularly friendly terms with India, also made it to the list.

The prestigious annual roundup features world leaders, changemakers, and icons from across the globe, but this year, it includes no Indian nationals in any of its six categories.

This marks a notable departure from previous years, including 2024, when Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt and Olympian Sakshi Malik earned their place on the list.

This year’s omission of Indian names has sparked conversations about global influence, recognition, and the evolving parameters of leadership.

Also Read: Trump named Time's 2024 'Person of the Year’

TIME 100 list

Now in its 21st year, TIME’s annual list remains a reflection of global influence and soft power across spheres, from politics to cutting-edge innovation.

The 2025 edition was released online on April 17 and features in the latest print issue of TIME magazine.

The TIME 100 list is divided into six categories: Leaders, Titans, Artists, Icons, Innovators, and Pioneers.

Each honouree’s profile is penned by a peer or expert, offering a unique perspective on their global impact this year.

Also Read: Elon Musk responds to 'his to-do list' put out by TIME magazine

Kewalramani stands out

Though no Indian nationals were included, the list does spotlight Reshma Kewalramani, an Indian-origin biotech leader, under the ‘Leaders’ segment.

Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, moved from India to the US at age 11 and became the first woman to head a major public biotech firm in the US.

Under her leadership, Vertex achieved a historic breakthrough by securing FDA approval for the first CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy targeting sickle cell disease, a landmark in genomic medicine.

TIME's profile praises her as a scientific visionary who challenges limits to bring futuristic healthcare closer to reality.

Also Read: TIME World's 100 Best Companies: Infosys only Indian firm to make it to list

Global icons dominate

Aside from Kewalramani, the 2025 TIME 100 ‘Leaders’ list also features Mexican presidential frontrunner Claudia Sheinbaum, and US Vice-President JD Vance, among others.

Also Read: Eight Indians, PIOs in inaugural 'Time 100 Climate' list

The TIME 100 issue features five global covers highlighting stars like Serena Williams, Ed Sheeran, Demi Moore, and Snoop Dogg.

The 2025 list reflects a continued tilt towards cultural icons, with a strong presence of entertainers, athletes, and media moguls.

It also recognises prominent figures from global cinema, including Diego Luna, Daniel Dae Kim, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof.