Washington D.C. (The Indo American Star) – The Washingtonian magazine has released its 2025 list of the 500 Most Influential People in Washington, spotlighting individuals who are significantly shaping policy debates across the capital. This year, ten Indian Americans have been recognized for their leadership and impact across key sectors including healthcare, national security, environmental policy, and global trade.
Among the honorees is Neera Tanden, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress (CAP), who returned to the progressive think tank after serving in the Biden administration. Tanden continues to champion middle-class economic investments, such as raising the minimum wage, while challenging GOP proposals on Medicaid. She advocates for offering viable alternatives to the status quo and effectively communicating policy consequences to voters.
In the healthcare arena, Dr. Kavita Patel, a physician at Mary’s Center and former Obama health official, remains a staunch defender of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). She underscores the law’s lasting impact and asserts that it cannot be dismantled by executive action alone.
Dr. Anand Parekh, Chief Medical Adviser at the Bipartisan Policy Center, has been instrumental in revitalizing the House Congressional Primary Care Caucus. Drawing on his background in clinical medicine and public health, Parekh stresses the need for renewed investment in primary care and prevention to bolster national health outcomes.
Jay Khosla, Chief Government Affairs Officer at Humana and former Senate GOP leadership advisor, brings seasoned insight to the intersection of healthcare and economic policy, influencing federal strategies from the private sector.
In the realm of tech and content regulation, Ruchi Bhowmik, Vice President of Public Policy at Netflix, plays a key role in shaping debates on net neutrality, data privacy, and streaming policy. With prior experience in the Obama administration, she helps align the company’s policy goals with evolving global regulations.
Atul Keshap, President of the U.S.–India Business Council at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes the need for India to pursue bold economic reforms post-2024 elections. He advocates for overhauls in taxation, regulation, and business practices to enhance India’s investment appeal and global competitiveness.
Samir Kapadia, Managing Principal at the Vogel Group, is recognized for his work on steel tariffs and guiding multinational corporations through intricate trade and compliance landscapes.
Nitin Chadda, Co-founder of WestExec Advisors and Vice Chairman at Teneo, advises top defense and tech firms on national security strategy. A former advisor to Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Chadda brings extensive experience from senior roles at the White House and State Department.
Karan Bhatia, Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google, manages a global team that influences tech regulation in over 50 countries. As a key advisor to the company’s CEO, Bhatia is deeply engaged in policy discussions on AI, digital rights, and global trade. He previously served as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and held top roles in the Bush administration.
Lastly, Radhika Fox, now Principal at North Star Strategy and former EPA water program chief, advises corporate leaders on environmental policy. At the EPA, she led the development of the water pillar in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, securing a historic $50 billion investment in water infrastructure, including lead pipe removal.