Congress president Sonia Gandhi been named among the world?s ten most powerful women by US-based business magazine Forbes. Also among the top ten is PepsiCo?s Indian-born chairman Indra Nooyi.
Gandhi has jumped to the sixth spot this year, from 13th position in 2006.
The magazine attributed the election of her chosen candidate Pratibha Patil to the post of India?s President as another testimony to Gandhi?s growing power. Nooyi has been ranked at fifth position, down from the fourth position last year.
?Gandhi, the Italian-born leader of India?s most powerful political party, has come far since entering politics in the 1990s. Lawmakers recently elected Gandhi?s choice for president, Pratibha Patil, in a historic vote seen as a step forward for India?s women who endure daily discrimination,? Forbes said.
?The 100 Most Powerful Women? list is topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel for the second year running.