Key Points
- TIME Magazine’s 2025 list of the world’s 100 most influential people features no Indian nationals for the first time in years.
- Indian-origin Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, is recognized in the ‘Leaders’ category.
- High-profile names include Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Keir Starmer, Muhammad Yunus, Serena Williams, Snoop Dogg, and Ed Sheeran.
- The list spans politics, business, science, and entertainment, with five global covers spotlighting standout personalities.
- The omission of Indian citizens has sparked debate, given India’s rising global influence in tech, diplomacy, and culture.
New Delhi: TIME Magazine has unveiled its eagerly awaited 2025 TIME100 list, spotlighting the world’s most influential figures across politics, business, science, and the arts. This year, the absence of any Indian nationals from the list has become a major talking point, breaking a long-standing tradition of Indian representation on the global stage.
Who Made the List? Global Leaders and Icons
The 2025 edition features a diverse array of personalities who have shaped the world over the past year:
- Political Leaders: US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus (Bangladesh), US Vice President JD Vance, and WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
- Business & Tech: Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX), Demis Hassabis (Google DeepMind), Mark Zuckerberg, and Reshma Kewalramani (Vertex Pharmaceuticals).
- Entertainment & Culture: Serena Williams, Snoop Dogg, Ed Sheeran, Demi Moore, Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Bell, and Hozier.
- Activism & Science: Notable figures include Raquel Willis, Bobbi Brown, and Sandra Díaz.
The list is divided into categories such as ‘Leaders’, ‘Icons’, ‘Artists’, and ‘Titans’, reflecting the breadth of influence across sectors.
No Indian Citizens, But Indian-Origin Talent Recognized
In a notable shift, no Indian citizen features in the TIME100 for 2025, a departure from previous years when Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, Olympic wrestler Sakshi Malik, and tech leaders like Satya Nadella and Ajay Banga were honored. The absence comes at a time when India is making significant strides in global tech, diplomacy, and the arts, sparking lively debate on social media and in policy circles.
However, Indian-origin Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, is included in the ‘Leaders’ category. Kewalramani, who moved from India to the US at age 11, has made history as the first female CEO of a major American biotech firm, earning praise for her leadership and innovation.
TIME100 2025: Covers and Special Features
This year’s TIME100 comes with five international covers, each celebrating a global icon: actor Demi Moore, rapper Snoop Dogg, tennis legend Serena Williams, singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, and AI visionary Demis Hassabis. The annual TIME100 Summit and Gala in New York will bring together these influential figures, with Snoop Dogg hosting and musical performances by Ed Sheeran.
A Shift in Global Influence
The 2025 list highlights a changing landscape, with a record number of CEOs, activists, and emerging leaders from 32 countries. Donald Trump makes his seventh appearance, while Elon Musk is recognized for the sixth time, underscoring their sustained global impact.
The omission of Indian citizens from the TIME100 in 2025 marks a rare moment in the list’s history, even as Indian-origin leaders continue to make their mark on the world stage. The full list and profiles are available in the latest issue of TIME Magazine and on its official website.
