TIME Magazine Releases 2025 List of 100 Most Influential People
TIME 100 List 2025: In a surprising turn of events, TIME Magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 most influential people does not feature a single Indian national—marking the first time this has happened since the list began in 2004. The announcement, made on Wednesday, includes prominent global leaders, innovators, and cultural icons but leaves a notable gap where Indian representation once stood strong.
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Mohammad Yunus Honoured for His Work in Bangladesh
Among the most prominent names this year is Mohammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Government of Bangladesh and Nobel laureate. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton penned a tribute to Yunus in TIME, praising his dedication to human rights and social reform in Bangladesh. Clinton wrote that Yunus is laying the foundation for a more accountable and free society while guiding the nation through political turmoil.
Global Leaders Featured: Trump, Musk, and More
American political and business heavyweights also secured spots on the TIME 100 list. Former U.S. President Donald Trump was recognized once again, accompanied by six members of his administration. Trump has previously earned the title of TIME’s Person of the Year in both 2016 and 2024.
Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, another familiar face, returns to the list, highlighting his continued influence on the global stage. The inclusion of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg underscores the enduring relevance of Big Tech leaders in shaping the world’s digital and economic landscape.
Cultural Icons Add Star Power to TIME 100
This year’s list isn’t just about politics and business. Cultural icons like British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and American actress-singer Scarlett Johansson were also honored. Their influence on global entertainment and social conversations helped secure their places among the world’s top influencers.
TIME 100 Highlights Diversity in Age and Origin
The list features individuals from 32 countries, reflecting a diverse and dynamic global landscape.
French swimmer Léon Marchand, at just 22, is the youngest honoree this year, recognized for his groundbreaking achievements in international swimming. On the other end of the spectrum, Mohammad Yunus is the oldest, celebrated for his decades-long impact on social entrepreneurship and human rights.
Absence of Indian Nationals Sparks Discussion
The absence of Indian names in the 2025 TIME 100 list has raised eyebrows across the globe. Over the past two decades, Indian leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists have consistently featured in the rankings. In 2024 alone, eight individuals of Indian origin—including Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, wrestler Sakshi Malik, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and actor Dev Patel—were celebrated for their global influence.
This year marks a dramatic departure from that trend.
Reshma Kewalramani: Indian-Origin Trailblazer Makes the Cut
While no Indian citizens made the 2025 list, Indian-American Reshma Kewalramani did earn recognition. Born in Mumbai and relocated to the U.S. in 1988, Kewalramani is the CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, one of America’s leading biotech firms.
Joining Vertex in 2017 as Chief Medical Officer, she rose rapidly within the company. Her groundbreaking leadership and commitment to healthcare innovation earned her a well-deserved place in this year’s list.
Narendra Modi: Most Featured Indian in TIME 100 History
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been included five times—in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2021—demonstrating his significant global influence over the past decade.
Xi Jinping Tops the All-Time List
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds the record for the most appearances in TIME 100, with 13 entries to his name. us president Babak Obama featured featured 11 times.
TIME 100 Reflects Changing Global Dynamics
The 2025 TIME 100 list signals shifting tides in global influence, celebrating emerging voices and veteran leaders while leaving behind some long-standing representatives. As the world continues to evolve, so too does the landscape of those shaping its future.
Whether this absence of Indian nationals marks a brief anomaly or a deeper transformation remains to be seen—but the conversation has certainly begun.
