Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Actor Ranbir Kapoor, and Michelin-star Chef Vikas Khanna have been named among the three Indians featured in TIME magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2026’ list. The annual TIME100 list recognises global personalities who are shaping conversations and driving impact across fields such as technology, politics, entertainment, business, and culture. This year’s edition once again highlights a wide mix of leaders whose work is influencing global narratives and innovation. The recognition places these three Indian figures alongside some of the most powerful names across the world.

The TIME100 list is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious global rankings of influence, celebrating individuals who are shaping the direction of industries and societies. According to the magazine, the 2026 edition reflects the growing importance of innovation, creativity, and cross-border cultural impact in an increasingly interconnected world. Alongside Indian personalities, the list also features major global leaders including political heads, technology executives, and cultural icons who continue to shape global discourse and policy decisions.

Sundar Pichai was recognised for his leadership in advancing artificial intelligence through Google’s expanding ecosystem. Under his guidance, AI integration has deepened across widely used products such as Search, Android, and Chrome, while the company has accelerated its work on advanced models like Gemini amid rising global competition in the AI sector. Andrew Ng, who wrote Pichai’s profile for TIME, highlighted his influence in ensuring that Google’s technological reach remains vast, noting that his impact lies in how widely AI tools are adopted and used across everyday life.

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Ranbir Kapoor was acknowledged for his distinct acting style and his ability to bring subtlety and authenticity to modern Indian cinema. His performances have been credited with reshaping audience expectations and contributing to the global visibility of Indian storytelling. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who penned Kapoor’s profile, described him as an artist who internalises performance rather than exaggerating it, representing a quieter but deeply resonant form of expression that reflects evolving cultural sensibilities.

Vikas Khanna was honoured not only for his achievements in the culinary world but also for his humanitarian work and cultural outreach efforts. His contributions have helped position Indian cuisine and traditions on the global stage while also using food as a medium for storytelling and connection. Chef Eric Ripert, who wrote Khanna’s profile, noted that Khanna’s work goes beyond cooking, emphasising how his restaurant and initiatives create spaces where heritage, memory, and human connection come together in meaningful ways.

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