USA
Balendra Shah, Tarique Rahman and Zohran Mamdani Featured on TIME Global Influence List: The latest list released by TIME highlights some of the most influential figures shaping global politics and public life. The list released today by the magazine included prominent leaders such as Donald Trump, Keir Starmer, Pope Leo XIV, Benjamin Netanyahu, Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah, and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, among others.
The inclusion of multiple South Asian figures reflects the region’s expanding global footprint and the increasing influence of its diaspora in international political and policy spaces.
Profiles of South Asian Leaders
Balendra Shah
Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen Shah, has emerged as a new-generation political leader from Nepal. Coming from a non-traditional political background, he gained national prominence through his independent electoral victory in Kathmandu. His leadership has emphasized governance reforms, urban management, and accountability, making him a symbol of political change among younger voters.
Tarique Rahman
Tarique Rahman remains a significant political figure in Bangladesh. As Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he continues to shape opposition politics and political strategy in the country. His inclusion reflects the ongoing importance of South Asia’s domestic political dynamics in the global conversation.
Zohran Mamdani
Zohran Mamdani is an Indian-origin politician based in New York. Representing a diverse constituency, he has built a reputation for advocacy on housing rights, economic justice, and social welfare policies. Mamdani is often seen as part of a broader wave of diaspora leaders influencing policymaking in Western democracies.
Growing South Asian Influence
Analysts note that the presence of South Asian leaders on a global list of influence points to a broader geopolitical shift. With countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal playing increasingly important roles in economic growth, regional stability, and international diplomacy, political leaders from the region are gaining wider recognition.
In parallel, the South Asian diaspora—particularly in North America and Europe—has emerged as a powerful force in democratic systems, contributing to policymaking, governance, and civic engagement. Leaders such as Mamdani illustrate how diaspora communities are bridging domestic and global political conversations.
