Ravinder Kaushik: The Indian spy who became a Major in the Pakistan Army and was named ‘The Black Tiger’ by Indira Gandhi

The recent arrest of Jyoti Malhotra in India for allegedly spying for Pakistan has renewed attention on the world of espionage and deep-cover operatives. "As attention turns once again to espionage and cross-border intelligence, the story of Ravinder Kaushik stands out—a former theatre artist who became one of RAW’s most valuable undercover assets.Operating in Pakistan for years under a false identity, Kaushik is credited by defence circles with saving nearly 20,000 Indian lives through the intelligence he supplied.

From acting stage to secret service

Kaushik was recruited by the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) at age 23. His flair for acting and public performance made him an ideal candidate for undercover work. During training, he was taught Urdu, Islamic customs, and Pakistani social norms. He studied Pakistan’s geography and culture closely to prepare for his new role.

The man who became Nabi Ahmed Shakir

RAW sent Kaushik to Pakistan under the name Nabi Ahmed Shakir. All evidence of his Indian identity was erased. He studied law at Karachi University, joined the Pakistan Army, and climbed the ranks to become a Major. He married a local woman named Amanat and became a father.

The Black Tiger

Between 1979 and 1983, Kaushik sent classified military information to Indian agencies. The details he provided are believed to have prevented several cross-border incidents and saved thousands of lives. Impressed by his service, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi gave him the code name ‘The Black Tiger’.

End of cover

Kaushik’s mission ended in 1983 when his identity was exposed. According to a report in The Telegraph, Inyat Masiha—a RAW contact sent to re-establish communication with him—was caught and revealed Kaushik’s true identity under interrogation. Pakistani authorities arrested Kaushik and sentenced him to death in 1985. The sentence was later reduced to life imprisonment.


He endured two years of torture in an interrogation centre in Sialkot and spent 16 more years in Mianwali Jail. In 2001, Kaushik died from pulmonary tuberculosis and heart disease in New Central Multan Jail. He was buried behind the prison.

A tale resurfacing in new times

As India deals with the arrest of a Pakistani spy on its soil, Kaushik’s story stands in contrast—of a man who went to the other side and served for years without public recognition. His story continues to raise questions about the silent sacrifices made in the world of intelligence, where borders blur and identities disappear.