Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Roshni Nadar top 'Forbes 2023 Most Powerful Women'

Four Indian women have secured a place on the prestigious Forbes list of Most Powerful Women for the year 2023. Topping the Indian representation is Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who holds the 32nd position on the list. Nirmala Sitharaman, appointed as India's finance minister in 2019 and also serving as Union Corporate Affairs Minister, had previously held the position of the country's 28th defense minister.

Accompanying Sitharaman on the list are three accomplished Indian businesswomen. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, the CEO of HCL Corporation, claimed the 60th spot. As the daughter of businessman Shiv Nadar, she assumed the role of Chairperson at HCL in July 2020 and is responsible for key strategic decisions within the company. Soma Mondal, Chairperson of Steel Authority of India, secured the 70th position, while Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon, is placed at 76th.

The Forbes list, which features influential figures such as Taylor Swift and US Vice President Kamala Harris, ranks European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen as the most powerful woman globally. Christine Lagarde, the head of the European Central Bank, follows in second place, with US Vice President Kamala Harris securing the third spot.

Notably, Nirmala Sitharaman has surpassed the rankings of notable personalities like Beyonce (Rank 36), Rihanna (Rank 74), and Donna Langley (Rank 54). The top 10 list also includes Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Melinda Gates, and Jane Fraser. This recognition reinforces the influential roles played by these Indian women on the global stage.