Several Indian Americans have earned a spot on Washingtonian magazine’s prestigious list of the 500 Most Influential People in Washington for this year. The list highlights influential experts and advocates operating outside of government who are actively shaping vital policy discussions in sectors like healthcare, national security, climate change, and global commerce.
These Indian Americans, all with significant roles in various organizations and sectors, have been recognized for their unique contributions to shaping American policy. Their work spans areas such as healthcare advocacy, economic reforms, tech policy, trade, environmental law, and strategic security.
Among those featured is Neera Tanden, who currently serves as the president and CEO of the Center for American Progress (CAP). After a period in the Biden administration, she has returned to the progressive think tank, reestablishing her presence as a prominent liberal figure. Tanden has focused on countering conservative Republican plans concerning Medicaid, while also championing economic strategies that support the middle class, such as raising the minimum wage. She believes that progressives must “offer real alternatives to the status quo and articulate the real harms of policies like proposed Medicaid cuts to voters.”
In healthcare policy, Dr. Kavita Patel, a physician affiliated with Mary’s Center and a former health official under President Obama, continues to be a leading voice in defending and strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Patel argues that the ACA remains a durable piece of legislation, despite political challenges, and asserts that it “cannot be undone by a White House pen,” underscoring its lasting role in expanding healthcare access in the United States.
Also advocating for healthcare reform is Dr. Anand Parekh, who serves as the chief medical adviser at the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been instrumental in reinvigorating the House Congressional Primary Care Caucus. In doing so, he seeks to educate lawmakers about the importance of revitalizing primary care to improve health outcomes on a national scale. Parekh, who once served as a deputy assistant secretary of health, insists that real progress in public health can only be achieved if the government reinvests in primary care, prevention, and public health infrastructure.
Jay Khosla, now the chief government affairs officer for Humana, brings years of experience from his time in Senate Republican leadership. He uses this background to influence federal policy from within the private sector, especially at the critical juncture of healthcare and economic development. Khosla’s work underscores the influence of private firms in shaping the future of health policy in Washington.
In the tech policy arena, Ruchi Bhowmik serves as the vice president of public policy at Netflix. A former official in the Obama administration, Bhowmik now works on issues like net neutrality, copyright enforcement, data privacy, and content regulation. She plays a vital role in ensuring that Netflix’s policy interests are in line with evolving domestic and international regulations. Her leadership has been crucial as streaming platforms like Netflix continue to navigate growing regulatory scrutiny.
Atul Keshap, who heads the U.S.–India Business Council (USIBC) under the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has focused his attention on India’s economic future. Following India’s 2024 general elections, Keshap has emphasized the importance of continued economic reform. He has urged Indian policymakers to embrace further changes in taxation, regulatory systems, and business processes, arguing that these steps are essential to improving the country’s global standing and increasing foreign investment.
Samir Kapadia, managing principal at the Vogel Group, is known for his work on complex trade compliance matters. He has carved out a reputation for advising multinational companies, particularly those dealing with U.S. steel tariffs and trade law. Kapadia’s insights are highly sought after by firms aiming to navigate the challenging terrain of international commerce and federal trade policy.
In national security and technology strategy, Nitin Chadda plays a critical role. He is the co-founder of WestExec Advisors and also serves as Vice Chairman at Teneo, a major global consultancy. Chadda advises defense and technology firms on how to effectively engage with federal agencies in an increasingly volatile international environment. Before founding WestExec, he worked closely with Secretary of Defense Ash Carter as a senior advisor and also held strategic positions at the White House and the State Department.
Tech policy continues to be a major area of influence for Indian Americans, as seen in the work of Karan Bhatia. Serving as the vice president of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google, Bhatia leads a global policy team that spans more than 50 countries. He advises Google’s CEO on international regulatory matters and issues surrounding artificial intelligence, digital freedoms, and global tech governance. Bhatia previously served as the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and held key roles in the Bush administration, giving him deep insight into both trade and policy.
Environmental policy also features prominently in this year’s list, with Radhika Fox recognized for her extensive work in water regulation. Formerly the head of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) water program, Fox now works as a principal at North Star Strategy. Her expertise lies in drinking-water regulation and the replacement of lead pipes, areas that have taken center stage in federal infrastructure efforts. During her time at the EPA, she played a key role in crafting the water pillar of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As a result of her leadership, a staggering $50 billion was allocated—the single largest federal investment in water-related infrastructure to date.
These Indian American professionals, though working outside formal government roles, have become essential players in the policy arena of the U.S. capital. Their backgrounds span public service, private industry, and non-profit sectors, yet they share a common influence on shaping the policies that define modern American governance. Each has demonstrated a commitment to driving innovation, ensuring accountability, and advocating for reforms that align with a more inclusive and forward-looking vision of national and global leadership.
From championing affordable healthcare and economic reform to shaping international business policy and advocating for technology regulation, these individuals represent the growing influence of the Indian American community in Washington’s corridors of power. Their recognition in Washingtonian magazine’s list of the 500 Most Influential People in Washington marks not only personal achievements but also the broader evolution of diversity in American policymaking circles.