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5 Indian Americans on TIME100 Most Influential People of 2026
The annual list spans AI, politics, science, and culture, reflecting influence across sectors shaping global discourse.
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Malvika Choudhary - Wed, 15, Apr 2026
- 17:59 EDT
- 26
(Top L-R) Sundar Pichai, Zohran Mamdani (Bottom L-R) Kiran Musunuru, Neal Mohan, Vikas Khanna / TIME
Five Indian Americans have been named to the 2026 edition of TIME’s “100 Most Influential People,” with representation across technology, politics, science, and the culinary world.
According to the official list released April 15, Sundar Pichai, Vikas Khanna, Neal Mohan, Zohran Mamdani, and Kiran Musunuru are among the 100 most influential people in 2026.
Also Read: Indian-origin scholars among 2026 Guggenheim fellows
In the Titans category, Google CEO Sundar Pichai was cited for expanding the reach of artificial intelligence products to billions of users. Since taking over in 2015, Pichai has overseen the integration of AI systems across Google’s core platforms, including Search, Android, and Chrome.
His leadership was highlighted for consolidating Google Brain and DeepMind into a unified effort that produced Gemini and a range of AI tools now embedded across the company’s ecosystem.
Among Innovators, chef Vikas Khanna was recognized for his global culinary influence and humanitarian work. TIME noted his efforts to use food as a medium for cultural storytelling and community outreach, with his restaurant ventures positioned as platforms for shared narratives and heritage.
Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube, was also named in the Innovators category for steering the platform’s rapid expansion across formats and devices. Under his leadership, YouTube has strengthened its position in streaming, live sports, and creator-driven content, becoming a dominant video platform on television screens in the United States.
In the Leaders category, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was recognized for his rise in Democratic politics and grassroots campaign that propelled him to office. TIME described his approach as “a politics that is direct,” centered on policies such as rent freezes, free buses, and expanded childcare, while noting the challenges ahead in implementing his agenda.
Cardiologist and researcher Kiran Musunuru was named among the Pioneers for his work in gene-editing and cardiovascular genomics. A professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Musunuru’s research focuses on genetic approaches to treating heart and metabolic diseases, positioning him as a leading figure in translational medicine.
Separately, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor was also featured on the list for his influence in Indian cinema and global cultural reach. He was the only Indianincluded this year.
TIME editor in chief Sam Jacobs wrote in his letter to readers that influence “has no single metric,” adding that the selections reflect individuals shaping major global narratives across sectors including artificial intelligence, climate, health, and philanthropy.
The 2026 TIME100 issue features four global covers spotlighting actor Zoe Saldaña, comedian Nikki Glaser, actor Wagner Moura, and singer-songwriter Luke Combs, underscoring the diversity of fields represented in this year’s list.
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