Each year, Washingtonian magazine releases its prestigious list of the 500 Most Influential People in Washington, spotlighting leaders who are shaping the nation’s most critical policy debates outside the government.
In 2025, ten Indian Americans have earned their place on this list, recognized for their immense contributions in areas such as healthcare, national security, climate policy, technology, and global trade.
Here’s a closer look at the Indian American changemakers making waves in the capital this year:
1) Neera Tanden – President and CEO, Center for American Progress (CAP)
A prominent progressive voice, Neera Tanden, has returned to CAP after her stint in the Biden administration.
She has resumed efforts to push back against GOP-led initiatives to cut Medicaid while advocating for robust middle-class economic investments like increasing the minimum wage.
Tanden continues to emphasize alternative policy paths and clearer communication with voters about the real-life impacts of federal legislation.
2) Kavita Patel – Physician, Mary’s Center; Former Obama Health Official
A longtime advocate for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Dr. Kavita Patel defends the landmark legislation’s resilience, stating the ACA “cannot be undone by a White House pen.”
Her work centers on expanding access to healthcare and supporting underserved populations, drawing from both clinical and policy experience.
3) Anand Parekh – Chief Medical Adviser, Bipartisan Policy Center
Dr. Parekh has been instrumental in reactivating the House Congressional Primary Care Caucus.
He leverages his background in medicine and public health to push for reinvestment in prevention and primary care, vital steps to improving America’s overall population health.
4) Jay Khosla – Chief Government Affairs Officer, Humana
With years of experience advising GOP Senate leadership, Jay Khosla now plays a key role at Humana, influencing federal healthcare and economic strategy from the private sector. His strategic insight bridges public policy and corporate innovation.
5) Ruchi Bhowmik – Vice President of Public Policy, Netflix
As a former Obama administration official, Bhowmik now leads Netflix’s policy approach on crucial matters, including net neutrality, copyright law, streaming regulation, and data privacy.
She aligns the company’s interests with complex regulatory shifts both domestically and globally.
6) Atul Keshap – President, U.S.–India Business Council (USIBC)
A seasoned diplomat, Keshap champions deeper U.S.-India economic ties. Following India’s 2024 elections, he’s urging New Delhi to accelerate reforms in taxation, regulation, and business processes to boost global investor confidence and economic growth.
7) Samir Kapadia – Managing Principal, The Vogel Group
Known for his expertise in international trade, particularly steel tariffs, Kapadia helps multinational corporations manage compliance and navigate global trade complexities. His strategic insights position him as a leading voice in trade policy.
8) Nitin Chadda – Co-founder, WestExec Advisors; Vice Chairman, Teneo
Chadda provides top-level national security and tech strategy advice to defense and technology clients.
Previously a senior advisor to Defense Secretary Ash Carter, his work today bridges public-private collaboration in a fast-evolving global security environment.
9) Karan Bhatia – VP, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Google
A former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and senior Bush administration official, Bhatia now oversees Google’s policy initiatives in over 50 countries.
His current work focuses on tech regulation, digital rights, and AI governance, making him a key player in global technology diplomacy.
10) Radhika Fox – Principal, North Star Strategy; Former EPA Water Chief
Fox brings decades of environmental expertise to consulting.
As the former head of the EPA’s water program, she oversaw the $50 billion water infrastructure investment under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and was instrumental in addressing lead pipe removal and drinking water safety nationwide.
A New Era of Influence
These ten Indian Americans exemplify the growing impact of the Indian diaspora in shaping U.S. policy.
From health and climate to trade and technology, their collective work shapes the national conversation and reflects the increasing diversity and expertise at the highest levels of policy influence in Washington, D.C.
