Most Notorious Indian Spies And Their Story: India has a long legacy of fearless spies who have risked their lives on the line to safeguard the nation. These men and women operated under false identities, often working secretly in hostile environments such as Pakistan. Through their efforts, they gathered vital intelligence that helped India avert terrorist threats, succeed in conflicts, and strengthen its intelligence capabilities. Many endured severe torture, long years of imprisonment, and even gave up their lives—often without recognition or compensation. While countless heroes remained unknown, some, like Ajit Doval and Ravindra Kaushik, have become widely recognised for their contributions.
Their stories are full of danger, sacrifice and patriotism. Some were trained RAW agents, while others were ordinary people who chose to serve the country in extraordinary ways. From the pages of history to real-life spy missions, these Indian spies showed unmatched courage.
10 Greatest Indian Spies And Their Courageous Story
In this article, we bring you the stories of 10 of the most notorious Indian spies whose secret missions played a major role in protecting India’s security and honour.
1. Ravindra Kaushik – The Black Tiger
Ravindra Kaushik is India’s greatest spy. At just 23, he was sent by RAW to Pakistan. He changed his identity, graduated from Karachi University and became an officer in the Pakistani Army there and spent years giving India sensitive information. He helped in stopping numerous national security threats. He was apprehended and imprisoned in 1983. In 2001, he passed away in a Pakistani jail. The then-prime minister of India dubbed him "The Black Tiger" for his valour.
2. Ajit Doval – The Master of Disguise
Ajit Doval, India’s current National Security Advisor, worked as a spy for RAW. He went undercover in Pakistan for over 7 years, pretending to be a Muslim. He gathered critical intelligence and even lived among enemy groups. His deep knowledge of Pakistan and fearless work have helped India in many counter-terror operations. He is often called “India’s James Bond.”
3. Mohanlal Bhaskar – The Spy Who Wrote a Book
Mohanlal Bhaskar was a RAW agent who entered Pakistan in the 1960s to collect military secrets. Unfortunately, he was caught and tortured in jail. He spent around 14 years in a Pakistani prison. After his release, he wrote a book called An Indian Spy in Pakistan, sharing the pain, courage and lessons of his spy life.
4. Kulbhushan Jadhav – The Most Talked-About Case
In 2016, Pakistan detained former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav. According to Pakistan, he was a sabotage-related RAW spy. India said he was abducted from Iran and refuted the accusations. A Pakistani court sentenced him to death. The International Court of Justice heard his case and postponed his execution. His tale is still among the most contentious in modern history.
5. Kashmir Singh – 35 Years in Pakistani Jail
Kashmir Singh was an undercover agent who crossed into Pakistan in the early 1970s. He was caught and sentenced to death, but the sentence was never carried out. He spent 35 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement. In 2008, he was released after a pardon by Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf. After returning to India, he openly admitted he was a spy.
6. Gopal Das – Forgotten but Brave
Gopal Das was arrested in 1984 by Pakistan and spent 27 years in jail. He was accused of spying, but little was known about his case. India appealed for his release, and he was finally freed in 2011 after the Supreme Court of India sent a request to Pakistan. After returning, he too admitted to being a spy. His story shows the silent sacrifice of agents whose names remain in the shadows.
7. Surjeet Singh – Spy Who Survived Pakistan’s Jails
Surjeet Singh was arrested in 1981 and spent 30 years in Pakistani prisons. He was released in 2012 and openly admitted he had been spying for India. He described the mental and physical torture he went through, but said he had no regrets about serving the nation. His story reflects unbreakable loyalty.
8. Lucky Bisht – RAW Agent with a Mysterious Past
Lucky Bisht is a former NSG commando and RAW operative who was once part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security team. Known for his sharp skills and bravery, he was also accused of a murder case but was later acquitted. His life remains mysterious, and many believe he was involved in several undercover missions abroad.
9. Neera Arya – India’s First Female Spy
Neera Arya was a brave woman who spied for the Indian National Army (INA) led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. She worked against British rule and helped in the freedom movement. She was caught, tortured, and jailed. Her story is often forgotten, but she is remembered as one of India’s first women to become a spy for the nation.
10. Sehmat Khan – Fictional, but Inspired by Real Events
Sehmat Khan is the lead character in the novel Calling Sehmat, later adapted into the Bollywood film Raazi. She’s based on a real Indian woman who married a Pakistani officer during the 1971 war to gather intelligence for India. Though her true identity remains secret, her story shows the emotional and patriotic side of spying, especially as a woman in enemy territory.