In Forbes’ recently unveiled list of Most Powerful Women for 2023, four accomplished Indian women earned recognition. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman secured the 32nd spot, showcasing her influential role on the global stage. Joining her were HCL Corporation CEO Roshni Nadar Malhotra (rank 60), Chairperson of Steel Authority of India Soma Mondal (rank 70), and Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (rank 76).
Nirmala Sitharaman, who assumed the role of India’s finance minister in 2019, also holds the position of Union Corporate Affairs Minister. Notably, she previously served as India’s 28th defense minister, making her the second woman to concurrently hold both ministries.
Roshni Nadar, the daughter of businessman Shiv Nadar, secured the second-highest rank among Indian women on the list. As the Chairperson of HCL since July 2020, she is responsible for steering the company’s strategic decisions.
The global list, which includes notable figures like Taylor Swift and US Vice President Kamala Harris, positions European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen as the most powerful woman, followed by European Central Bank head Christine Lagarde in second place. Nirmala Sitharaman’s ranking surpasses renowned personalities such as Beyonce, Rihanna, and Donna Langley. The top 10 also features Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Melinda Gates, and Jane Fraser.
