Oyo's Ritesh Agarwal To Union Minister Kinjarapu Naidu — Indians Named In WEF's 2025 Young Global Leaders List

The World Economic Forum has announced its 2025 list of Young Global Leaders, featuring 116 individuals under 40 making a mark in various fields. Seven of them are from India, recognised for their work in areas like government, business, science, publishing and social impact.

Representing nearly 50 countries, this year’s YGL cohort includes a spectrum of changemakers — from unicorn founders and mountaineers to policymakers and innovators. These individuals, WEF noted, are “committed to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient world.”

India features on the 2025 list, with seven individuals recognised for their leadership in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Here are the seven from India:

Mountaineer, entrepreneur and keynote speaker at Orophile Ventures (Climbing4SDGs), Maloo shared his excitement on X, writing, “Honoured to join the Forum of Young Global Leaders, a dynamic group of 1,400+ leaders globally who are redefining leadership in a changing world. The @YGLvoices is a think & do tank for leadership development, driving transformative positive impact. #YGL25 #WEF25 @GlobalShapers.”

Founder of the Nipman Foundation and an advocate for disability rights, Malhotra expressed his gratitude on LinkedIn. “Thrilled to share that I’ve been selected as one of the World Economic Forum’s 100 The Forum of Young Global Leaders for 2025! Past YGLs have gone on to lead nations, build billion-dollar companies, and drive global change—and I’m humbled to be in such inspiring company," he said.

Agarwal is the founder and chief executive officer of OYO Hotels and Homes. Even he took to LinkedIn to mark the occasion. He wrote that he was honoured to be a part of The Forum of Young Global Leaders. “This community brings together leaders from more than 120 countries, spanning sectors such as business, government, civil society, academia, and the arts.”

He is the Founder and Managing Director of Next Big Innovation Labs and has been recognised by the World Economic Forum for his contributions to life sciences and 3D bioprinting. According to WEF, NBIL has developed breakthrough technologies such as bio-printed corneal tissue, lab-grown meat, and Organ-on-a-Chip. His company has attracted support from the Government of Karnataka, India’s Department of Biotechnology and major organisations, including TATA Trusts, Lockheed Martin, and Merck Group.

India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Naidu brings a strong political track record to the YGL cohort. The WEF website highlights that he has been elected to Parliament three times — in 2014, 2019 and 2024. A graduate of Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, with an MBA from Long Island University, Naidu has served on many parliamentary committees and was awarded the Sansad Ratna Award in 2020 for his legislative performance.

Sankar, the managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group, reflected on his inclusion on LinkedIn. “I am honoured to be selected as part of the Young Global Leaders Class of 2025 (The Forum of Young Global Leaders) and excited to join a community of leaders from over 120 nationalities. This recognition is a reflection of the collective efforts of my colleagues, clients, and mentors who have inspired and supported me throughout the journey," he said in a post on LinkedIn.

Subramani is the Editor-in-Chief and Vice President at Penguin Random House India. She celebrated her selection in the list, writing on X, “Thrilled to be included in @wef's list of Young Global Leaders @YGLvoices for 2025.”

As per the WEF website, Subramaniam oversees some of India’s most respected literary imprints, including Penguin Classics, Viking, Hamish Hamilton and Allen Lane. Her credentials also include prestigious international fellowships such as the Maurice R. Greenberg Yale World Fellowship (2022), the Fisher Family Summer Fellowship at Stanford (2023), and the Raisina Young Fellowship (2023).

According to the World Economic Forum, the YGL programme is more than a recognition. It’s a three-year leadership development experience. Participants will engage in academic modules at world-class institutions, immersive field experiences and attend global convenings aligned with WEF’s mission to improve the state of the world.

Each year, the Forum selects over 100 individuals for their contributions and commitment to transformative change.