When it comes to the health of a child, especially concerning the heart, there is no room for compromise. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) and pediatric cardiac conditions require a level of precision, empathy, and specialized skill that only the world’s finest medical minds can provide. India has emerged as a global hub for cardiac care, boasting some of the most advanced neonatal cardiac surgery units and highly skilled specialists.

Finding the best pediatric cardiologist in India is a journey of trust for parents. Whether it is a simple hole in the heart (VSD/ASD) or complex conditions like Tetralogy of Fallot or Transposition of the Great Arteries, the expertise of the doctor defines the future of the child.

In this comprehensive guide, we profile the top 10 pioneers in pediatric cardiology who are transforming lives across the country in 2026.

1. Dr. Rajesh Sharma (Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi)

Dr. Rajesh Sharma is a legendary figure in the field of pediatric cardiac surgery. With over 30 years of experience and more than 20,000 surgeries to his credit, he is widely regarded as the best pediatric cardiologist in India for complex neonatal repairs.

• Specialization: Neonatal cardiac surgery, complex congenital heart disease, and Double Switch operations.

• Why he wins: Known for his incredible success rate in operating on infants weighing less than 2kg.

• Contribution: He has mentored hundreds of surgeons who now lead cardiac units globally.

2. Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty (Narayana Health, Bengaluru)

A name synonymous with affordable and high-quality cardiac care, Dr. Devi Shetty is a visionary. While he oversees a massive healthcare empire, his heart remains in pediatric cardiac surgery.

• Specialization: Low-cost cardiac surgery, ASD/VSD closures, and valve repairs.

• Why he wins: He pioneered the concept of “micro-insurance” to ensure no child is denied heart surgery due to lack of funds.

• Global Impact: He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan for his revolutionary work in healthcare.

3. Dr. Suresh G. Rao (Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai)

Dr. Suresh Rao is a titan in Western India. As the Director of the Children’s Heart Institute, he has built a center of excellence that treats children from across the Middle East and Africa.

• Specialization: Complex congenital heart reconstructions and heart transplants in children.

• Why he wins: He is a master of the Fontan Procedure and other palliative surgeries for single ventricle hearts.

• Trust Factor: His team is known for a holistic approach, including post-operative pediatric intensive care.

4. Dr. Krishna Kumar (Amrita Hospital, Kochi)

If you are looking for a clinician who combines academic brilliance with surgical precision, Dr. Krishna Kumar is often cited as the best pediatric cardiologist in India. He has put Kerala on the global map for pediatric heart care.

• Specialization: Pediatric echocardiography, interventional cardiology, and public health initiatives for CHDs.

• Innovation: He has authored numerous research papers that have changed the protocol for treating pediatric heart infections in India.

5. Dr. Robert Coelho (MGM Healthcare, Chennai)

Dr. Robert Coelho is a pioneer who performed India’s first successful Nikaidoh procedure. His surgical skill is sought after by parents who have been told their child’s condition is “inoperable.”

• Specialization: Complex neonatal cardiac repairs and minimally invasive pediatric cardiac surgery.

• Why he wins: He focuses on surgeries that allow the child to have a normal growth trajectory with minimal follow-up procedures.

• Reputation: Known for his calm demeanor and clear communication with distressed parents.

6. Dr. Kulbhushan Singh Dagar (Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi)

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Dagar is a specialist in treating the most delicate hearts. He has a keen interest in Corrective Surgery for newborns.

• Specialization: Arterial Switch Operation, Norwood Procedure, and valve reconstructions.

• Why he wins: He utilizes the latest 3D printing technology to map out a child’s heart before surgery, ensuring 100% precision.

• Recognition: Frequently ranked as the best pediatric cardiologist in India for his work in the NCR region.

7. Dr. Smita Mishra (Manipal Hospital, Delhi)

A leading non-invasive pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Smita Mishra is an expert in diagnosing heart conditions before the child is even born through Fetal Echocardiography.

• Specialization: Fetal cardiology, pediatric arrhythmias, and medical management of heart failure.

• Why she wins: She is a fierce advocate for early screening and has organized hundreds of camps to detect “Blue Baby” syndrome in rural India.

8. Dr. K.S. Iyer (Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi)

Dr. Iyer is one of the most senior and respected pediatric cardiac surgeons in the country. He was one of the first to start a dedicated pediatric cardiac program in North India.

• Specialization: Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC) and septal defects.

• Why he wins: His experience allows him to handle high-risk redo-surgeries with a very high success rate.

• Legacy: He has been a pivotal force in establishing pediatric cardiac protocols in India.

9. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi)

Specializing in Interventional Pediatric Cardiology, Dr. Radhakrishnan is the expert you see if you want to avoid open-heart surgery. He is a master of “Keyhole” procedures.

• Specialization: Device closures (ASD/VSD/PDA), balloon valvuloplasty, and stenting.

• Why he wins: He can fix many heart defects using a catheter through the groin, allowing the child to go home in just 48 hours.

• Trust Factor: Regarded as the best pediatric cardiologist in India for non-surgical interventions.

10. Dr. Prashant Shah (Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai)

Dr. Prashant Shah is known for his surgical excellence and his dedication to the “Save a Child’s Heart” mission. He has performed thousands of surgeries for underprivileged children.

• Specialization: Coronary artery anomalies and pediatric thoracic surgery.

• Why he wins: He combines advanced surgical techniques with a very high level of post-operative empathy and care.

Understanding Pediatric Cardiac Care: A Parent’s Guide

Choosing the best pediatric cardiologist in India involves understanding the different branches of the field:

1. Pediatric Interventional Cardiologist: Focuses on fixing defects using catheters (non-surgical).

2. Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon: Performs open-heart surgeries for structural defects.

3. Fetal Cardiologist: Diagnoses heart issues while the baby is still in the womb.

4. Pediatric Electrophysiologist: Specializes in heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) in children.

Key Questions to Ask Your Pediatric Cardiologist

• Is the defect cyanotic (blue) or acyanotic (pink)?

• Can this be treated via catheter intervention or is open-heart surgery required?

• What is the long-term prognosis for my child’s physical activity and growth?

• Does the hospital have a dedicated Pediatric Cardiac ICU (PCICU)?

Conclusion: A New Lease of Life

India’s pediatric cardiology landscape in 2026 is world-class. With the expertise of surgeons like Dr. Rajesh Sharma and the vision of Dr. Devi Shetty, the country offers hope to thousands of families. Finding the best pediatric cardiologist in India is about matching your child’s specific needs with the doctor’s specialized track record.

Early diagnosis and timely intervention are the keys to ensuring that every child with a heart condition can lead a full, vibrant, and healthy life.