Meet Nambi Narayanan: The ISRO scientist who revolutionised Indian rocket engines and survived a false 1994 spy case that nearly ended his career
Times of India
by TOI SCIENCE DESKFebruary 24, 2026
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Nambi Narayanan, a distinguished scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), faced a career-altering injustice in 1994 when he was wrongfully accused of espionage. As the leader of India’s cryogenic rocket engine project, his work was crucial for advancing the nation's space capabilities. However, false allegations led to his arrest and imprisonment, severely disrupting ISRO’s progress on sensitive technology. After nearly four years of legal battles, Narayanan was exonerated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which found no evidence of wrongdoing. Despite this, his career trajectory shifted to administrative roles, yet India still achieved significant milestones in its space program.
Born into a middle-class family in Kerala, Narayanan pursued engineering and earned a scholarship to study rocket propulsion at Princeton University. His work with esteemed scientists like Vikram Sarabhai and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam positioned him as a key figure in ISRO’s advancements. In 1994, his career took a dramatic turn when he was arrested on espionage charges, allegedly involving secret information shared with Pakistan via intermediaries from the Maldives. Media sensationalism labeled him a spy, leading to prolonged custody and damage to his reputation.
The CBI’s thorough review in 1996 cleared Narayanan of all charges, restoring his professional standing but not without scars. He was granted compensation for wrongful arrest and later received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 2019. However, questions remain about those responsible for fabricating the case. Despite these challenges
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026